These are the proven ingredients of schools that work, whether they are public or parochial schools, urban or suburban, here or abroad. Unfortunately, for decades American public schools demanded too little of students. Now that many school systems are raising standards, students are starting to do better. Seniority is not the only factor in hiring. Service requirements for teachers who want to transfer are virtually gone.
Tenure ensures only a fair hearing before dismissal.
And the UFT helped turn dozens of low-performing schools around by backing changes in leadership and staff, strengthening instructional programs, and providing staff development. But even a generous voucher program would help just a handful of inner-city children. Only the public schools hold out hope for all our 1.1 million youngsters. In a reprise of her union's million-dollar ad campaign, Ms. Weingarten assures us that the UFT is in favor of reform. Unfortunately for the city's kids, it's pure union propaganda.