In Washington, D.C., school success is measured by the most basic of yardsticks. This year, for example, all 146 schools in the District opened on time, and almost all of them had the supplies they needed. Parent Denise Patterson said that, for the first time she could remember, "the schools are clean." Minor successes, perhaps, but minor successes are scarce in the nation's capital, which has long had one of the most blighted public-school systems in America. The new chancellor, Michelle Rhee, a reform-minded former teacher (via TFA, Ms. Azimi!) brought on board by reform-minded Mayor Adrian Fenty, has vowed to change D.C.'s classrooms--and she's vowed to mow down bureaucracy, too. Most importantly, Rhee wants to redefine success. Clean schools will be the norm, as will schools whose students are high academic achievers. Mike Casserly, executive director of the Council of the Great City Schools, worries that people like Rhee are "set up as saviors," only to be "crucified when they fall from grace." Nonetheless, Rhee is off to a running start, and she doesn't seem too worried about any impending fall.
"Education Leaders Attempt Reform in Washington, DC Schools," by John Merrow, NewsHour with Jim Lehrer, October 1, 2007
"New Orleans School Chief Tackles Rebuilding Shattered System," by John Merrow, NewsHour with Jim Lehrer, October 2, 2007