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DENVER (AP) -- The Colorado Senate has passed legislation holding teachers and principals accountable for the performance of their students.

Senators voted 21-14 on Friday to back the proposal, which also changes how teachers get and keep tenure. It now heads to the House where it's expected to face more challenges in the final full week of the Legislature's 2010 session.

Most Senate Democrats, who control the chamber, voted against the bill, which the state's largest teachers' union opposes. The bill was able to pass because seven Democrats voted with all 14 Senate Republicans.

Backers think the bill will increase the state's chances of winning up to $170 million in federal funding from the Obama administration's "Race to the Top" competition.

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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Original story

Teacher bill passes initial vote in Senate

DENVER (AP) — A proposal to hold teachers and principals accountable for the performance of their students has passed an initial vote in the state Senate.

The bill passed a voice vote Thursday evening. It must pass another vote before it can be sent to the House.

A handful of Democrats joined with Republicans to reject attempts to give teachers greater ability to challenge bad evaluations. Other Democrats said such appeal rights would help wary teachers support the dramatic change lawmakers are making in education law.

A proposal to allow a lack of parental involvement to be factored into evaluations was also defeated.

Democratic Sen. Michael Johnston said the state shouldn't lower expectations for children because of their background.

The measure is Senate Bill 191.

(Copyright 2010 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)