From KCRW in Santa Monica and PRI, Public Radio International, this is To the Point.

Do public school teachers deserve failing grades?

Hello again, I'm Aran Alney, and this is To the Point from Public Radio International.

A daily look at the issues Americans care about most. Education Secretary Arnie Duncan and other reformers are celebrating a victory

for the rights of students. Teachers' unions call it another attempt by special interest to

privatize public education. It's all about a California judge's ruling that tenure and seniority

laws protect bad teachers

at the expense of poor and minority children.

Would less legal protection bring those kids better teachers?

As the decision ripples nationwide, are there other strategies for improving the quality

of America's schools?

Today's talking point, Judging the Justice, a new book on Antonin Scalia. First, here's

the news. Listen to KCRW's 24-hour all-news channel, stream BBC World Service, NPRW and KCRW programs,

continuous coverage and accessible via our smartphone app or online at kCRw.com.

Support for To The Point comes from the members of KCRW and from the Public Radio International Program Fund.

Hello again, Mormon Alney, back with To the Point. The California judge has blamed teachers' tenure and seniority laws for the sad state of public education for poor and

minority children. Teachers' unions insist they're not the real villains, although the decision

is perceived as a loss for them. We'll hear how it's ruining the national debate about

education reform. Today's talking point, Antonin Scalia, is the U.S. Supreme Court's most

controversial justice. We'll hear from his latest biographer.

First, this news update, as President Obama talked with congressional leaders about possible airstrikes and other options,

soldiers from the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria reportedly took control of Iraq's biggest oil refinery.

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