Rhee Lawyers Up
Yesterday, I posted about a story by John Merrow that alleges that a memo exists that likely shows Michelle Rhee was warned about potential widespread cheating in Washington, D.C. early in her tenure as schools chancellor. If it turns out that this memo says what Merrow conjectures it does, it calls into question Rhee's claims of success as a school leader, her diligence in pursuing testing irregularities, her current claim that she fully cooperated with investigators, and the efficacy of the climate she built around high-stakes testing in the district.
The memo was written by a researcher Rhee herself hired. He claims he can't release it without DCPS's permission because it is "work for hire." And this is where the story turns into a classic case of stonewalling:
The memo was written by a researcher Rhee herself hired. He claims he can't release it without DCPS's permission because it is "work for hire." And this is where the story turns into a classic case of stonewalling:
Here beginneth our tale of FOIA frustration. Starting in early May of 2012, we submitted FOIAs to DCPS, the DC Inspector General, the Mayor and the US Department of Education.DCPS told us the document did not exist. The DC Inspector General told us he
