Settlement, New Law Spell End for 'Best and Brightest'
The Florida Education Association alleged in a lawsuit that the use of the SAT and ACT scores in the long-controversial "Best and Brightest" teacher-bonus program had a "disparate impact" on black, Hispanic and older teachers.
March 19, 2020 at 12:34 PM
4 minute read
Teacher helping pupils studying at desks in classroom. Courtesy photo
A federal judge has approved a $15.5 million settlement in a class-action lawsuit that alleged Florida's long-controversial "Best and Brightest" teacher-bonus program discriminated against black and Hispanic teachers.
U.S. District Judge Robert Hinkle approved the settlement last Thursday, a day before state lawmakers passed a bill that would permanently do away with the Best and Brightest program. The bill (HB 641) must still go to Gov. Ron DeSantis, though he has backed abolishing the program.
Hinkle issued an order in November that indicated he would approve the settlement but needed to hold what is known as a "fairness" hearing last week before he could sign off on it. He has not issued a written order, though his approval of the settlement was confirmed Wednesday by Kent Spriggs, an attorney for the plaintiffs in the case.
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