People who may have felt stuck in a backwater for years but who still want to be effective teachers have to be given opportunity and direction. As that's done, teachers are also likely to get fresher views of their students, whom they might have been inclined to see as hopeless or limited. Administrators committed to reform can move them out, though union contracts still make firing difficult. In San Jose, Calif., a decade ago, new principals assigned to failing high schools were given a directive to identify recalcitrant teachers, whom the district office then transferred out. Curricula may need an overhaul, too, so that more time can be spent on strengthening English and math.
Old rules have to give way.
The president's plan would in effect build on efforts already under way. At least 27 states rate their schools and require regular testing for accountability. Many are experimenting with ways of attracting better teachers to problem schools. Sanctions may still be needed, and some schools may not come around in the time allotted. But those that retain a core of teachers still committed to their profession should be given the opportunity to earn a better grade.