Interesting...

With the election of Barack Obama to the Whitehouse many in the education world have lept with curiosity into where the first girls will attend school once they move to DC. The most recent article sprouts up after Michelle Obama toured private schools in the area, but has yet to appear interested in any D.C. public schools. Without question there is a lot of debate about Chancellor Rhee and her strategies. One article today in the Washington Post caught my attention. D.C. School Reform: The Backlash.

The quote that caught my attention states: "But new questions are being asked about whether Rhee's reforms--closing underpopulated schools, fixing up decrepit buildings, sweeping out underperforming principals, and hiring legions of energetic, if inexperienced young teachers--are really making a difference in the classroom."

Seriously?

You're right--closing underpopulated schools could be a risk. The district may stop wasting money on old buildings that are not being used and the could provide more money for things like textbooks and technology advances. What was Rhee thinking?

Fixing decrepit buildings?! The children of DC are expected to behave and pay attention in class. They don't need buildings that have adequate heat, ventilation, or ceilings. I mean...you are most likely are paid to work everyday and you would never expect those things...would you?

Why would she ever consider getting rid of underperforming principals? I mean everyone knows that the success of a school is irrelevant to the leadership there, right?

I guess I just find it interesting that that public demands that schools provide a place for students to be safe, warm, taught social skills, develop as future citizens, and learn a wealth of knowledge, oh...and pass assessment tests. However, when someone tries to provide these things she is attacked for being a "bull in a China closet". Why should this process be slow and gentle? Don't the kids who are in school right now need these reforms? I don't see how any children are at risk or "experimented" on by being place in more adequate buildings and given certified teachers.

Thoughts?