Teacher Reduction in Force

In the spring of 2009, nearly half of Washington state school districts issued layoff notices to teachers and other school staff. The Reduction in Force (RIF) notifications impacted approximately 3 percent of the state's teacher workforce. As was the case in many states, federal stimulus dollars were deliberately targeted at reducing the need for teacher layoffs. CSTP commissioned research undertaken by the University of Washington to examine the impact of RIF notices on the assignment, retention and mobility of the educator workforce in the Washington state.

The following research questions were asked:

• What were the characteristics of school staff who received a RIF notification in spring 2009 in Washington state?
• How did districts that issued RIF notifications vary from those districts that did not engage in a formal lay-off process?
• How did the characteristics of schools with RIF staff differ from schools that did not have RIF staff in their buildings?
• What was the impact of the RIF process on the retention and mobility of teachers within and across schools and districts?
• To what extent were individuals who received a RIF notification rehired in the subsequent school year?

To see the findings and learn more about the research, read the report -
Examining the Impact of Reduction in Force (RIF)
Notices in Washington School Districts: 2009-2010