Earlier this week, we celebrated New York Assemblyman Sam Hoyt’s groundbreaking “Race To The Top” legislation, designed to give New York a shot at even competing for boatloads of federal education cash. Then, we celebrated Michigan Senator Buzz Thomas’ “smart cap” legislation, which would unleash the power of successful public charter schools in the Wolverine State (and help them get their hands on boatloads of federal education cash.)
But today, our edu-political crush is fixated on Rhode Island Education Commissioner Deborah Gist, who rocked the Ocean State by declaring an end to all seniority-based teacher assignments.
Yes, you read that correctly.
Stunning. Or at least stunningly common sensical.
Still wondering whether the “Race To The Top” is on or not? (Even the great state of Colorado should be worried about the competition this one, ladies and gentleman…)
According to her office’s press release, Gist notified superintendents last night that seniority-based teacher assignments are totally out of line with the state’s new “Basic Education Program.”
“The new BEP requires that the system of management, professional training, evaluation, and assignment of instructional staff ensures that highly effective educators work with classrooms of students who have significant achievement gaps,” Gist wrote. “In my view, no system that bases teacher assignments solely on seniority can comply with this regulation.”
This is obviously good news for Rhode Island students (and even better news for the the law firms that will be paid handsomely to fight this out to protect existing seniority-based teacher assignments?)
Congrats to Commissioner Gist and her team for jumping so strongly into the race!
More info here.