Yesterday, I was pretty excited about some events in Baltimore. Then this article appears. Are we really about to mess around with the formula of a superb school? The article's first sentence says it all.
Baltimore's most successful middle school is laying off staff and shortening its school day to meet demands of a teachers union contract in what is one of the first major disputes over teacher pay between a charter school and a union.
I can understand the differences of opinion on what to do about America's worst schools. But can't we all agree that when it comes to America's best urban schools we ought to replicate them to the extent possible and, barring that, just do no harm?
Eduwonk's insight a couple days back is applicable.