Once again, Michelle Rhee-form fails in DC– Her Middle School Muddle
Written by Ken Arche for Greater Greater Washington. Read the entire article here.
“Former Chancellor Michelle Rhee created many of the PS-8 schools in 2008-2009 in response to parental opposition to school closings. By adding middle school grades to existing elementary schools, the new PS-8 schools were intended to reduce the impact of school closings on Ward 5 parents… What lessons should be learned from Kelly Miller, or from the failing Ward 5 middle schools that were closed or merged by Chancellor Rhee? How can those lessons be applied when building new middle schools in Ward 5? Unfortunately, DCPS would provide no answer to these questions…
Filardo explains that research indicates no difference in educational outcomes between middle schools and PS-8 schools. Ward 5 parents’ support for the move, says Filardo, is what will make the difference.“
“Former Chancellor Michelle Rhee created many of the PS-8 schools in 2008-2009 in response to parental opposition to school closings. By adding middle school grades to existing elementary schools, the new PS-8 schools were intended to reduce the impact of school closings on Ward 5 parents… What lessons should be learned from Kelly Miller, or from the failing Ward 5 middle schools that were closed or merged by Chancellor Rhee? How can those lessons be applied when building new middle schools in Ward 5? Unfortunately, DCPS would provide no answer to these questions…
Filardo explains that research indicates no difference in educational outcomes between middle schools and PS-8 schools. Ward 5 parents’ support for the move, says Filardo, is what will make the difference.“
