There is a lot I could say.
There is a lot I won't. First, because I can't find sources for my information and second because I am just not that stupid. But I was looking around for clips and articles about the hearing, and The Washington Post is always a good source. The following are excerpts from two articles that I found interesting.
From what I can gather the main issue that came to light was whether or not Michelle Rhee broke the law by disregarding the budget cuts the council suggested, creating the need to lay off teachers because she did not cut the budget for summer school. She says it is not in the best interest of the children. Post contributor Jay Matthews agrees.
"Take a look at the studies compiled by the National Summer Learning Association and see for yourself. At the very least, there is a one month loss of learning because of the traditional summer vacation. Several studies, including some from Johns Hopkins University, have noted the startling difference in the loss of learning between impoverished urban children---like the majority of kids in the D.C. schools---and affluent suburban kids. Suburban parents manage to inject more learning into their children's summers than low-income urban parents do."
I haven't read the research although we always suggest summer school to our students and it certainly can't hurt them. I am more worried if the move did in fact break the law. I know the Chancellor is a big proponent of accountability and I think that is a good thing, but what example are we setting for our students if we are not held accountable to the law? I am also more worried about the quote in the article that follows this one.
"I have interviewed about two dozen leaders of KIPP public charter schools around the country. They have told me that the more experienced teachers they hire out of urban systems have difficulty raising their expectation for children to the high level that KIPP demands. That is one reason why they, and Rhee's principals, are so apt to hire smart and energetic, but less experienced, teachers who don't need an attitude adjustment."
I have seen this happen and I think I know the reason behind it. Teachers are under a lot of stress especially right now with performance and things that are at stake. Some times kids have a bad morning and they don't have the coping skills of an adult who could put it behind them and move on. Instead other students are given independent work while there is an attempt to deescalate a behavior that may have an unknown trigger. Instructional time is lost and the only thing you can do is to keep moving. Is it any wonder that veteran teachers struggle to hold high expectations when they are the ones that are battered with a tiring job and what seems to this newcomer to be a lack of support in the highest ranks. (I want to be clear that my school administration is excellent and I feel very supported by my Principal, VP's and Special Ed Coordinator.)
Valerie Strauss' article is a good summary of how the whole situation has deteriorated. And while the politicians in the city of politics take this to the courts I, like most of my colleagues, will hunch my shoulders against the wind, pull up my collar, and keep on keeping on. Because after all it is all about the children.
Valerie Strauss' article is a good summary of how the whole situation has deteriorated. And while the politicians in the city of politics take this to the courts I, like most of my colleagues, will hunch my shoulders against the wind, pull up my collar, and keep on keeping on. Because after all it is all about the children.
