Teacher study shows states doing a poor job

States graded "D-plus" on teachers

The National Council on Teacher Quality released a national study showing most states are not retaining good teachers or getting rid of bad ones. On average, states were graded "D-plus," with the highest overall mark, a "B-minus," given to South Carolina. According to the study, South Carolina does better than any other state in allowing ineffective teachers to be fired.

South Carolina requires two annual evaluations of new teachers. Teachers who get bad reviews are placed on a plan for improvement. Only those teachers on probation - not tenured teachers - can be fired if they don't improve.

The study also wades into a growing controversy over whether teachers should be held accountable for their students' progress. The National Education Association and other unions and teacher groups argue there should be multiple measures of teacher performance along with student achievement.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: 5,800 jobs created in the state by pension fund

ARKANSAS: A look at the potential for Arkansas' biodiesel industry

FLORIDA: State's Healthy Start program wants tax on small tobacco companies' products

GEORGIA: Salmonella debacle at peanut plant could prompt new food safety rules

KENTUCKY: Massive ice storm knocks out power across the state

LOUISIANA: New FEMA head orders Katrina recovery review

MISSISSIPPI: Off-shore fish farming in federal waters approved despite opposition

NORTH CAROLINA: Gov. Bev Perdue not satisfied with submitted spending cuts

SOUTH CAROLINA: Conservationists say off-shore drilling bill a waste of time

TENNESSEE: Satellite cities without police departments want to hire metro cops

VIRGINIA: Two cigarette tax bills rejected by House Finance subcommittee

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