Thompson: Unrealistic And Ineffective

As journalists and wonks speculate on the meaning of Michelle Rhee helping to bring down Mayor Fenty, the real message of Jay Mathew's endorsement should be remembered.  Mathews cited a teacher who supported Rhee's impatience because her personal intervention was necessary in order to fix his broken lock.  "Hallwalkers" who did not go to class would open the door to his classroom, walk in and yell threats at his students or him.  There were even assaults, and yet the principal just had three different staff members observe his class and make suggestions.  Although  Rhee had hired the principal, when conditions worsened Rhee fired her.  As Bill Turque explained in 2009, Rhee told principals to reduce suspensions.  Did she not know enough of the reality urban schools to recognize the inevitable result of her dictate? - JT