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Quinn Gets Education-Reform Measure

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) -- The Illinois House is embracing education reform that significantly changes school focus on teacher performance.

The House voted 112-1 Thursday to send the bill to Gov. Pat Quinn after Senate approval last month.

The measure would make it more difficult for teachers to go on strike and easier for them to be fired for poor performance.

It was negotiated in secret for months among lawmakers, education reformers and administrators, and business groups.

The Chicago Teachers Union initially agreed to the proposal but now says it opposes language that addresses current litigation and specifics about Chicago teacher strikes.

Democratic Rep. Barbara Flynn Currie of Chicago says the groups began negotiating changes Wednesday and could have an agreement that would follow in later legislation.

© 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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