The Education of Michelle Rhee

Washington D.C.'s school district traditionally ranks near the bottom in the nation in terms of attendance, academic achievement, and promoting readiness for college or meaningful job prospects. In 2007, the District's new mayor hired an ambitious educator named Michelle Rhee to become chancellor of the D.C. school system. A former teacher, Rhee aimed to "start a revolution," based on a combination of providing great teachers and raising expectations to inspire the student body. What followed was a tumultuous three-year reign marked by national news coverage, high level shake-ups, and a pitched battle with the teacher's union over tenure and test scores. Hosted by John Merrow, this PBS-aired Frontline documentary benefits from wide access to Rhee, teachers, politicians, and principals. Rhee demanded a "culture of accountability" from an entrenched central office bureaucracy and working educators alike, instituting a new performance evaluation system that quickly led her to butt heads with the union. Rhee is accused of being a publicity seeker and zealot, as dozens of teachers and a large percent of the support staff are fired (Rhee is shown coolly terminating a principal, whose identity is obscured). Rhee also alienated many in the public with numerous closures of neighborhood schools. The documentary weighs the dilemma of educating students struggling with poverty and broken families, and the fairness of basing standards of success on limited student achievement tests. After glowing news reports of student test gains, results were challenged when it was revealed that many test answers were erased or manipulated to boost scores. When Rhee lost her patron after Mayor Adrian Fenty was defeated, she left to promote her "Students First" program on a national stage. Sure to provoke discussion (and disagreements), this overview of Rhee's mixed legacy is recommended. Aud: C, P. (S. Rees)