Minn. lawmakers take another lap in education race

A federal pot of money provoking education law changes around the country is driving a vigorous debate in Minnesota, too.

A joint House-Senate panel was set to debate Tuesday whether Minnesota schools need to more rigorously evaluate teachers and give state officials added power to rework struggling schools.

Gov. Tim Pawlenty says tougher standards are essential if Minnesota wants a slice of the federal Race to the Top grants. Minnesota missed out in the program's first round and is deciding whether to try again for as much as $175 million.

On Monday, Pawlenty outlined his wish list. It includes more closely linking student performance to teacher pay and requiring schools to rate teachers on a scale that ranges from "ineffective" to "highly effective."

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