In Denver a couple of weeks ago, D.C. Schools Chancellor Michelle Rhee provoked speculation with her comment that she had a “Plan B” ready on deck should the controversial teachers’ contract fail to pass. On Friday, Rhee revealed that Plan B.

Basically, Rhee will use powers already under her authority to revise the teacher evaluation process, changes she can make without seeking union or council approval. More significantly, new rules taking effect this week will allow State Superintendent Deborah Gist to create “an advanced teaching credential,” tying teacher licensing to classroom performance. Typically, licenses are granted based on academic credentials, and renewal only requires additional coursework or professional development.

“The contract is the way that I would prefer to go,” Rhee told a group of education reporters, “But if we can’t get to agreement on the contract, there’s another very clear way that we can get there. … The bottom line is we are going to bring accountability in a very significant way to the educator force in this school district.”

(AP Photo/Susan Walsh, File)