Deer Dies After Lion Attack Inside National Zoo
WTOP: Fenty Using Police Escort for Cycling Team Rides
'Trun' on to the 15th Street Contraflow Bike Lane
Goodbye Fixie, Hello Tweed!
D.C. Foster Kids Are in Need of Christmas Presents
One of the drawbacks to having a high-profile figure like Michelle Rhee running the city schools is that so much of the education coverage tends to be about Rhee herself, rather than the work her office is (or isn't) doing. In a column last weekend, Colbert I. King argued that "the issue is not whether the chancellor is a polarizing figure with her take-no-prisoners approach, or is a fearless crusader against defenders of the status quo. At issue is whether public education in the District is being improved."
In the past few weeks we've seen stories speculating who Rhee might be dating, wondering if she is feuding with Washington Post reporter Bill Turque, and scolding the city council for infringing on her authority. This kind of stuff is entertaining, (at least, it is if you're into education pundit infighting) but does little to answer King's question: what's going on in the schools?
D.C. Council Chairman Vincent Gray would like to know, too. He's announced his intention to appoint an independent evaluator to assess the state of DCPS since the mayoral takeover a year and a half ago. The investigation was mandated as part of the takeover in 2007, but the impartiality of the two candidates Deputy Mayor for Education Victor Reinoso suggested last year to lead the study was challenged by Gray - one testified in support of the mayor takeover, and the other authored a Post op-ed praising Rhee - and no new names have been offered. Gray also wants the costs of the study to come from public money, instead of the D.C. Public Education Fund, which relies on private contributions. "We're at one-and-a-half years," Gray told the Post. "If we're going to have an objective analysis, now is the time to begin."
Building Better Teachers: In her five-year plan to the D.C. Council, Rhee outlined plans to replace the District's current teacher professional development program, which has largely consisted of isolated workshops and seminars, with a system of in-school mentoring and feedback. Catherine Cullen at the Fordham Institute sums up the old system nicely:
Imagine the most boring conference you've ever attended, then imagine the presenter has been told that all of the participants are mentally retarded. Teachers are sorted by grade level or subject matter while the central office experts present whatever that year's THING is. Policy Wonks take note - Professional Development Day is where your ideas go to suffer and die.Research has shown that site-based mentoring from lead teachers and a series of observations and feedback is a more effective means of improving teaching. As Cullen points out, DCPS technically already has something like this, but it's far from uniformly implemented or comprehensive. My first year as a DCPS teacher, my district-appointed mentor showed up to observe me only once - in April - and I never heard from him again.
The Post coverage of this focuses on Rhee's intention to "identify and transition out a significant share" of DCPS's 4,000-plus teachers through buyouts or dismissals before fully implementing the professional development in 2011. Already an unspecified number of teachers who scored "unsatisfactory" on at least six indicators of their performance evaluations have been placed on 90-day plans of intervention, which could result in termination.
In response, a memo from the Washington Teachers' Union cautions its members, “the WTU leadership will continue to closely monitor DCPS’ implementation of this process and is strongly committed to holding DCPS fully accountable for any violations of your rights.” A list of steps for teachers to take if placed on a 90-day plan includes, “Seek clarity,“ “Think creatively when it comes to asking for help,” and “Document everything.”
Schools Notes: Wow, this kid REALLY wanted to go to school… Does Rhee control the snow too? … New Education Week report ranks D.C. as a state and puts its schools dead last in the nation, while Maryland is No. 1.
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Boy, 6, Misses Bus, Takes Mom's Car Instead!
Wow! Another driving related story.
I love the Kevin Johnson rumor! I was obsessed with the mid-90's Suns. This is tangential, I know, but why are we totally cool with electing former athletes in the U.S. but when Minnesota elects a wrestler (really more of a performer than an athlete) and a comedian everyone makes fun of us?
For your accent
we've seen stories speculating who Rhee might be dating
I'd hit it.
I would too, with a paper bag over her head.
Not even with one over my head, one over her head and earplugs to boot.
The guy in the background is totally checkin' her out...
"Hey, baby. Lemme put some Barry White on the stereo in the teacher's lounge, and I can show you my collection of protractors...one at a time. Aw, yeah."
The guy in the background is Victor Reinoso, Fenty's Deputy Mayor of Education and Plagiarism. My guess is he's not checking her out but just checking out in general, if you know what I mean (and I think you do). The man is not known for his razor sharp analytical skills.
I have no idea what you're talking about. You saying this guy's a homo?
No, I'm referring to the Rainman look on his face.
Chancellor Rhee transferred the principal of our in-boundary school and brought in someone new. I'm not impressed.