Reform Schools, Get Served Until 5 AM and More Inauguration News

***"Teachers hate her. Principals are scared of her." Those are the first two sentences of an abstract for this extensive article about our very own Michelle Rhee, DCPS Chancellor. She graces the cover of the current Time Magazine after recently getting national attention by way of CNN and even the Presidential debates. I've said it before, but I support all the chancellor is doing, although I know there are some hurt feelings among teachers and others who may have been relieved of their duties. If the system ends up the better for her efforts, then obviously the payoff is worth the stretch.

***First reviews are coming in for the newly opened Capitol Visitor Center. The Washington Post offers harsh criticism, on both architectural and symbolic grounds. I tend to agree. The New York Times offers a slightly friendlier review, but pans the effort as falling short in the end. Surprise, a federal government project that came in over budget, years late and still didn't fulfill its aims. Wait, not a surprise.

***Some DC hotels may opt for a quick and dirty face lift. They want to impress the inaugural crowds, who, coincidentally, are paying through the nose for accommodations.

Also, on the inauguration front, have you heard this? Our very own Jim Graham (Ward One council member) introduced a measure to allow DC bars and restaurants to remain open for 24 hours a day from January 17-21, 2009. Also, they'd be allowed to serve alcohol until 5:00 AM, a three hour extension of the usual 2:00 AM weeknight restriction. Thoughts? I can't say I'm against it, but am sure that local opposition will surface.

UPDATED: The emergency legislation passed by a vote of 12-1. Phil Mendelson accounted for the only "against" vote.

88% of DC's Eighth Graders Can't Read?

That was the crawl across my screen as I browsed the CNN website last night looking for some actual news. I wasn't aware of any studies or recent test results that used that figure. Moreover, school has just begun here and it seemed like an awfully negative statistic to be throwing around if the information was dated. But it turned out to be a slightly twisted headline. CNN "ripped the headline" from an interview with Michele Rhee. The interview was focused on the major reforms to the District of Columbia Public Schools the chancellor is in the process of making. So far I support all her work to consolidate schools and labor as well as add accountability and attract and keep quality teachers and staff.

The Rhee quote is actually "...for our eighth graders, only 12% of them are proficient in reading according to the NAEP exam." NAEP is the National Assessment of Educational Progress. In my opinion, that is a troubling statement, but I'd never summarize it with a sentence (or headline) stating that 88% of DC eighth graders can't read. But I know headlines create traffic.

Education Week recently produced a fairly balanced view of Chancellor Rhee's first year in the position with reaction from teachers, education experts and others. Its a lengthy article, but good. Here's the CNN interview:

Drop Rates and School Closings

Two quick news notes:

Number One: Kudos to Mayor Fenty and the Taxicab Commission. The Washington Post reports on some changes related to metered taxis, due to arrive this spring. They listened to citizen feedback and decided to lower the drop rate for the new taxi meters. The drop rate is the amount at which the meter starts at the beginning of a fare. Basically, the minimum charge. The initial drop rate was $4, making it unlikely that riders would realize any rate benefit from the old zone system. The new $3 drop rate is a little more reasonable. It makes short, 6 or 7 block trips possible. Fenty also stuck down the right of a cabbie to pick up additional fares on a ride, eliminated the rush hour surcharge, and reduced the snow emergency fee. I agree with all the decisions, although cab drivers may institute some strike days before the end.

Number Two: Tonight (Thursday), the city will host multiple hearings across the District on the school closing and reorganization plan. Parents an other residents can address the plan floated by Mayor Fenty and Schools Chancellor Michelle Rhee. No schools in Mt Pleasant will be affected, but feel free to attend one of the meetings if you at all interested. Tubman Elementary (3101 13th St NW) is the closest hearing location to Mt Pleasant. The full list of meeting spaces is here. Should be an interesting night of discussions.