Longtime readers know that there's nothing that makes me more suspicious than everyone claiming to get along and that victory has been achieved. And, well, there's been an awful lot of self-congratulation and adulatory press coverage surrounding the IL senate's 59-0 approval of a reform package last week. Everyone worked so long and negotiated so hard, we're being told. It's "model" reform. But did reformers get as much as it seemed? Did teachers and others give away so much without a peep? Everyone seems to want to do a victory lap but let's take a look at some of the questions and concerns that should be raised. The word sneaking out from Springfield is that some healthy skepticism should be in the mix. What do you "get" when you get a 59-0 vote? Let's take a look.
A quick look at the bill raises several questions about its ability to improve teaching effectiveness when the time
