Exclusive interview with Michelle Rhee

Michelle Rhee is one of the most polarizing figures in the American education community.

Her supporters cite increased student achievement during her tenure as chancellor of the Washington D.C. public school system as evidence that her brand of education reform works. Her critics call her “anti-teacher,” or at least “anti-union,” and say that her successes have been overblown.

Either way, you’ll have a hard time finding someone working in education who doesn’t have a strong opinion one way or the other about Rhee’s work.

In 2010, Rhee formed StudentsFirst, an education reform advocacy group that has championed school choice and pushed to reform teacher tenure. But most recently, her support of the so-called Common Core State Standards has placed her at odds with some members of the grassroots conservative movement, many of whom have historically been among her biggest supporters.

Rhee has recently taken on these issues and more at packed out town hall meetings around the country with the goal of “changing the dialogue from a polarizing debate to a real conversation.” She’s been joined at these town halls by Dr. Steve Perry, Founder and Principal of Capital Preparatory Magnet School, and George Parker, Former Washington, D.C. Teachers Union President.

On Thursday evening, Rhee & co. will be in Birmingham hosting a town hall at the WorkPlay Theater. The event is open to the public and promises to be fascinating back-and-forth over the future of education policy in Alabama.

Yellowhammer caught up with Rhee earlier this week to discuss the town hall event, to get her thoughts on the Alabama Accountability Act and to hear what reform measures she believes Alabama should shoot for next.

Thanks to @GParkerDC & @DrStevePerry as well. #RealEdTalk is what it's all about. Next stop, Birmingham!

— Michelle Rhee (@MichelleRhee) September 6, 2013

Yellowhammer:

What do you hope to achieve with the Birmingham town hall event?

Michelle Rhee:

In Birmingham and around the nation, too many kids—especially low-income and minority kids—are not getting the world-class education they deserve. When Dr. Perry, George Parker and I got together and decided to embark on these town halls, we very much wanted these events to serve as springboards to elevate the debate over how to fix our schools. We really want to cut through the divisive rhetoric and focus on substance and facts. A great teacher can truly change the course of a child’s life, so their voices are vital to this discussion. Giving every child the tools to succeed is the civil rights issue of our time, and we hope this forum in Birmingham will serve as a springboard to increased collaboration between teachers, teachers’ unions, parents, reform advocates and all members of the education community.

Yellowhammer:

Why did you choose Birmingham to be a stop on your town hall tour?

Michelle Rhee:

The historic city of Birmingham holds a special place in our nation’s history. During the 1950s and 1960s, the city was ground zero for major turning points in the Civil Rights Movement, as young leaders came together to successfully dismantle Jim Crow. As we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Civil Rights Movement, and honor the sacrifices of those who came before us, we must keep in mind that a current civil rights battle is taking place in education. Again, we hope that this Town Hall will stimulate dialogue in the state, and continue to move the needle forward on education reform.

Yellowhammer:

The Alabama Accountability Act brought school choice to Alabama, but StudentsFirst is pushing for more reforms. What do you think should be Alabama’s next step?

Michelle Rhee:

The historic passage of the Alabama Accountability Act empowers families trapped in failing schools with real options, and Governor Bentley and the Alabama legislature should be commended. More than 700 students have already used this legislation to gain access to a quality school. While this is a major step forward, much work remains. We will continue to push policymakers to pass reforms that strengthen accountability and help schools recruit, retain and reward great teachers. For example, one of our priorities this year will be to end the practice of “last-in, first-out” (LIFO), which some districts use to base personnel decisions solely on seniority, with no regard for teacher effectiveness.

Yellowhammer:

What are some specific ways parents can fight to make sure their children have access to a quality education?

Michelle Rhee:

It is vital for parents in Alabama, and across the country to be more involved in their child’s education – from getting to know their child’s teachers and principal, to showing up to school board meetings and understanding the policies of the local school system. Parents are a child’s best advocates, and they must be empowered with the tools to help their child succeed. They should also be proactive in contacting their legislators and demanding education reforms that put their children first.

[Editor’s note: if you would like to attend Thursday’s town hall meeting in Birmingham, click here.]

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Follow Cliff on Twitter @Cliff_Sims