Michelle Rhee is the chancellor of the Washington, DC public schools. She was hired in 2007 to shake up one of the worst educational systems in the country despite spending more than most, about $14,000 per student annually.
Rhee created a firestorm with the DC teachers union by firing 266 teachers in September based on quality, and not on seniority.
That which is normal course for many organizations is, however, a crisis for the American Federation of Teachers. The AFT is one of the two main teachers unions in the country, and it is battling Rhee out of fear this example of sound management could spread to other school districts in the country.
Rhee has also tried to create a performance-based compensation culture for the DC schools, where teachers can opt out of tenure-based job protections in return for being able to earn significantly more money. As example, first year teachers could earn up to $78,000 a year, as compared currently to $45,000, while experienced teachers could earn up to $131,000, or double their pay. The union rejected the plan as a threat tenure.
Rhee is a courageous and determined women, fighting to make common sense reforms in education. She deserves our admiration and good wishes.
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PLEEEEASE. Let's keep some perspective here. The broader picture provides us with a story of mixed success and damage to a school system that remains desperately in need the leadership of a proven/experienced educator. Michelle Rhee's deeds and words are those of a reform by destruction advocate ( Burn it down to build it up). Carefully thought out reform involving the key players brings longer lasting change. . The recent NAEP test scores improvement reflects progress over time, not just during Rhee's tenure. I don't see any admiration and good wishes for the hundreds of competent and capable DCPS employees who are delivering these successes. Rhee is not in the classroom or even close to it. Let's not be so quick to kiss the chancellor's feet.
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