I read this morning about Michelle Rhee’s reform efforts in D.C. and couldn’t help but be reminded of my experience in a school that has been turned-around by a “Turn-around” specialist in the past three years. The process was painful, exciting and scary. I also have the same thoughts about what will happen next as I do about Rhee being successful. What will happen to school systems that are failing. Will “turn-around” specialists be hired to transform school systems? What if they don’t have as much authority as Rhee has been given? Read about it here: In Second Year, Rhee Is Facing Major Tests
She seems poised to become the first modern day education heroine to really change a failing system. I wonder if the slash & burn tactics are necessary or just her style. Will the tactics work or will the same old habits grow back like weeds eventually choking the system as it has for the past 30 years. I also hope that her reforms stick when someone makes her queen of all education.
