Michelle Rhee in Washington, DC

Jane Renaud, Cat McGrath & David Wald:

The lack of sustained leadership has plagued the Washington, DC public school system for decades. Our nation's capital, home to fifty thousand students, boasts one of the worst school districts in the country. Two thirds of students are far behind in reading, in math, three quarters.

In June 2007 new mayor Adrian Fenty assumed control of the ailing school system, firing the incumbent superintendent and replacing him with Michelle Rhee. Some questioned her lack of experience managing a public school system. Others felt she was exactly what was needed - a change agent from outside the district. In July the city council unanimously voted her in. Since then she has plotted a deliberate, and frequently controversial, course.

This series follows Michelle Rhee's attempts to reform one of the most challenged school districts in America. Can Rhee provide a model of reform for the entire country, delivering on her promise of an excellent education for every child?

Posted by Jim Zellmer at August 22, 2009 1:33 AM
Subscribe to this site via RSS/Atom: Newsletter signup | Send us your ideas