I'm as big a fan as there is of the work that Chancellor Klein and his team are doing in NYC to build a new system of public education. Given the size of the district, its historical challenges, and the city's politics, it's astonishing how much they've accomplished.
A huge part of their work has been opening new schools. They've started a diverse array of autonomous charter schools and in-district schools. These efforts often get ink, and they certainly deserve it.
But churn--the invaluable process that allows a system to remain dynamic, high-performing, responsive, and self-improving--has another side. And that's accountability.
NYC has been great about shutting down struggling district schools that aren't serving kids well. But they have also, thankfully, been willing to go after troubled charters. Just this week, the charter schools office served notice that it was moving to terminate the charter of a school not living up to its obligations.
Too often charter authorizers are loathe to go down this road. It can be nasty, unpopular business. But it is an indispensable part of the charter model, and more importantly, it's essential for the healthy functioning of a system of schools.
Thanks to NYC for taking this responsibility seriously. Keep it up.
--Andy Smarick