The Associated Press is reporting a judge in Staten Island is set to hear arguments on two lawsuits challenging the state's teacher tenure rules today (Wed., Jan. 14). The plaintiffs in the cases argue job protections for teachers deprive students of a sound, basic education. The defendants, including New York state and New York City, argue the cases should be dismissed and the plaintiffs should lobby the state Legislature for changes. The plaintiffs claim tenure rules keep ineffective teachers in the classroom. The case brought by plaintiff Mona Davids was filed in Staten Island and then consolidated in September with a second filed originally in Albany by a group headed by former TV personality Campbell Brown. Read the full Associated Press story in the Daily Freeman.