UPDATE: August 31, 2010
Good news announced last night. Read Seattle Times story here.
PREVIOUS POST: This will be a pivotal week for Seattle public school children. We will learn this week whether the school district and the teacher's union are able to reach agreement on very important reforms that could transform public education in Seattle.
The stakes are high.
Remember the facts: In Washington State, almost one-quarter of high school students don't graduate. In Seattle, nearly one-third fail to graduate. A comprehensive study of the Class of 2006 revealed that only 34% of Seattle high-school graduates demonstrated the baseline skills needed to be successful in college. By 2018, it is projected that 67% of all jobs in Washington will require post-secondary education.
The graduation and prepared-for-college statistics are unacceptable. In fact, we've lived with them for far too long. The schools district's proposed reforms represent a reasonable first step. They are certainly not a panacea, nor will change happen overnight. But they will introduce greater accountability and form the basis for student improvement.
This piece in today's Seattle Times highlights a few of the research-driven justifications for reform, including linking student academic growth to teacher evaluations. But, the article includes an important warning that must not be overlooked: teacher evaluations, as with all employees, are a private matter and should not be disclosed publicly.
I believe strongly in public education and our teachers. They deserve strong support. I'm confident the school district and teacher's union will reach an agreement as the collective bargaining process continues. Leaders of good will can bridge the differences and produce an agreement that is keenly focused on our children and their best interests.