For more information on the authors of this issue brief, please visit their websites: Democrats for Education Reform and Education Equality Project.

For additional information, contact:

Anne Martin, 415-336-2564

Reform Group Demands That Ineffective Teachers Not Be Returned To Classrooms

‘Reductions In Force’ Should Be Based on Teacher Impact on Learning

Washington, DC – Oct. 16, 2009 – While the District of Columbia City Council and district school leaders tussled over a recent “Reduction In Force” that has resulted in teacher layoffs, a parent and community advocacy group today demanded that both sides commit to making sure that no child be taught by an ineffective teacher, no matter what the budgetary climate looks like.

“Grownups can work out budgetary decisions, but real leaders must ensure today that all staffing decisions in the District of Columbia Public Schools be made with the best interests of children in mind,” said Anne Martin, executive director of the non-profit advocacy group DC School Reform Now. “Chancellor Rhee and the City Council have an obligation to the children of this city and that means making sure that only effective teachers be allowed to work in public schools.”

Martin noted that this commitment to quality teaching and learning should always be the case, but is particularly important when decisions about reductions in force are necessary.

“This city cannot afford to allow ineffective teachers to remain in the classroom at the expense of excellence – and the children in our city need and deserve excellence,” Martin said.

Martin noted that decisions about which teachers should be removed were made based in part on their effectiveness in the classroom, in addition to school need and years of service. Re-instating ineffective teachers would be a move in the wrong direction, she said.