Republican Governor Brian Sandoval signed new laws today that end teacher layoffs based only on seniority and make it easier to fire teachers that aren’t meeting certain standards.

The state will also move from a two-tier administrator evaluation system to a four-tiered one, and it will eventually make 50 percent of teacher ratings based solely on student achievement data.

“I am convinced these reforms are going to make a big difference in our kids’ lives, creating a better learning experience, ensuring Nevada has a better educated citizenry, and setting us on a path to long-term economic growth,” Democratic Assemblywoman Debbie Smith said. [The Las Vegas Sun]