Policing Our Own?

Star Trib: Weeding Out Poor Teachers
Speed Reality Checks

After reading the above, I posted the comments below on Speed's site and received limited feedback. So, let's try again here.

If the above are correct, it is truly sad if we can not qualify for "Race to the Top" funds in part because we choose processes that protect poor performers, therefore sacrificing our children's education. Thoughts? What should be done?

"After reading them, I am trying to evaluate intent and relative truth. Do the Union/Teacher reps that were quoted truly believe that they are adequately policing their ranks? Or is it what they "need to say" because of their position?

I once went for a psychological evaluation to learn more about what jobs would best fit me, and to determine if I was pretty self aware. (good news: right career & self aware) The gentleman I worked with told me that at one time he was a Manager in the practice. During that period of his career he had learned that Supervisory work was something he simply could not do. He was so sensitive, empathetic and disliked conflict so much that he just could not evaluate people's performance and implement corrective actions. Therefore he gave that role to one of his peers and moved back into the psychology side.

With this in mind, are Teachers and Union reps so caring, sensitive, nurturing, etc by their nature that they simply can not see the real number of poor performers in their ranks.

Look around your office and name the 5 to 10% of coworkers you would walk up to and fire given the opportunity. It takes a certain personality type to do this easily. See "Up In the Air" with George Clooney for more perspective on this.

Also, since all of us have a different perspective regarding what a "good teacher" is. This definitely makes it difficult. A small step I have mentioned before would be class evaluation forms filled in by the Parents.

I wonder how the Union got the good Teacher feedback they mentioned? I have never been asked..."

More Info:
Race to the Top
Race To The Top Applic'ns and Scores