Reply #89: Here's a link to what they do. Standardized test scores can and have gotten

[mbperrin]

janitors, cafeteria workers, and all other employees of a school fired in the Chicago "model."

http://www.rethinkingschools.org/archive/23_03/arne233.shtml

Narrowing the Curriculum

Although gutting bilingual education, curtailing culturally relevant and critical pedagogies, and teaching to the test were byproducts of Chicago's high-stakes accountability policies before Duncan, since he took over, accountability has increased. Before Duncan, schools could be put on probation and have external partners forced upon them, but now schools are phased out, closed, or "turned around" by private contractors (some funded by the Gates Foundation). In the turn-around model, everyone is removed from their position, from principal to custodial workers. Accountability measures drastically increase pressure to do well on standardized tests. "Extracurriculars" rapidly disappear, like art, physical education, and recess, as reported in an Aug. 25, 2008, Chicago Sun Times article.
Much more at the link.

One other unforeseen side effect of one year contracts has been that teachers and coaches are also free to leave for greener pastures with no notice to the district. Our nationally recognized art teacher went to Georgia, perennial playoff softball coach to Dallas, last 3 chemistry teachers to the local JC, terrific English teacher to the local university. Many more, and this is just one campus. Creates a bit of unpredictable brain drain.

School starts tomorrow, and we have no Algebra II teacher, no chemistry teacher, no economics teacher, need two special ed aides, one assistant principal, and several other elective positions to fill. Students will be there, and so will subs.