A Chancellor Committed to Results

I'm rooting for Michelle Rhee. The DC School Chancellor was profiled on the front page of the Washington Post this morning for her whirlwind, first-year exploits to fix 120 public schools. She is aggressive, demands results, and seems to be committed to the notion that conventional wisdom isn't always right, even if its being pushed collectively by entrenched and tired teachers, self-important politicans on the DC council, or perhaps well-meaning parents who simply want to be "allowed to play a role in creating the culture of [a] new school." As one Rhee confidant says in the article, "Those who scream the loudest were [are] used to winning."

To be sure, I don't agree with everything Ms. Rhee is proposing, such as paying kids to attend school, but when it comes to asking the District's teachers to be judged by their craft, instead of their number of years on the job, sign me up. It's time for many teachers to remember that their interests are not always aligned with student's interests and to be honest with the public about that fact. And its time for those teachers, who really are the jewels of our schools and who will thrive under a system that rewards solid teaching, to stand up and support the Chancellor. Some appear to be ready to do just that.

(And kudos to former Ward-7 Councilman Kevin Chavous for his warm praise of Ms. Rhee historic efforts.)