Opinion: Support DC teacher firings

"A lot of lip service is given to not tolerating bad teachers," say the editors of The Washington Post. Their Sunday editorial continues:

"Educators, politicians and even union leaders say that there is no place in the classroom for a teacher who can't produce results. But actually doing something about the situation is an entirely different matter. That's why DC Schools Chancellor Michelle A. Rhee should be supported for taking the difficult but necessary steps to rid the system of ineffective teachers.

"In a move seen as unprecedented in the nation, Ms. Rhee announced Friday that 241 teachers -- roughly 6% of the teaching force -- are being terminated because of poor performance and licensing issues. An additional 737 have been rated minimally effective, will not be eligible for step increases and have one year to improve their performance or face dismissal. That means that the system could see nearly a quarter of its teachers dismissed within two years, a prospect  Rhee called 'daunting.'" Read more in the editorial online.