This post is from from my other blog here

...today in the WAPO metro section; recall we had some blogulations here a bit back about creating some kind of cash award system for teachers and principals who really provided exceptional service and outperformed all others; three DC public schools "where students' test scores rose more than 20% last year received $500,000 in cash awards"...from a Federal awards program called "Together Everyone Achieves More" (TEAM). Each teacher would get $8,000, with a bit higher a lower amounts going to the rest of the staff classes.

We need more of this.

Also, DC Schools Chancellor Michelle A. Rhee (what's a "Chancellor", anyway?) received the power to fire nonunion workers without cause - thereby opening the door for rapid removal of school and administration staff with historically underperforming records - and "removing a major barrier to education reform" (although it will take anywhere from 16 to 20 months to complete the terminations). The length of time and hassle required to "rightsize" this organization is absurd; but at least the initiative is sound.

We need more of this.

Lastly, the boundary change proposals in flight in western Fairfax county, reshuffling students among Westfields, Chantilly, Herndon, Oakton and Madison high schools to renew the South Lakes population, are pressing forward. Boundary scenarios are set, and changes will come, regardless of those who oppose any change at all. While this is definitely an upheaval for families, neighborhoods and students, this simply makes better sense from an overall education and economic perspective in the county, "spreading the wealth" so to speak more equitably, and seeking efficiencies in allocation of investments (of both time and money).

We're going to need more of this, soon, here in Loudoun.