dc schools admin structure

[Anonymous]

can someone offer me a primer on the differences between these roles/offices:

1. DCPS/Chancellor

2. Office of the State Superintendent of Education

3. Deputy Mayor of Education

thanks!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:can someone offer me a primer on the differences between these roles/offices:

1. DCPS/Chancellor

2. Office of the State Superintendent of Education

3. Deputy Mayor of Education

thanks!

The Office of the State Superintendent of Education is the right hand that does not speak with the left. Works for the 'state' -- not that we have one. Interprets NCLB mandates like DC's ridiculous rulings on teacher certification that are completely inconsistent and result in high quality teachers dismissed as 'unqualified' and teachers who have done six month certificate programs being retained. It is a behemoth that contradicts the actual on the ground reality of this city. I have no idea what the Deputy Mayor of Education does. The Chancellor runs the school directly and answers to the Mayor (and can be called in to answer to the city council?)

[Anonymous]

Very funny and probably somewhat true. I will say, though, that teacher certification requirements are so limited that failing to qualify really does suggest a problem.

[Anonymous]

Gosh! The dc.gov website wasn't helpful?

Here are some thoughts from someone with no political ax to grind who is both a frustrated parent and someone with several types of experience wih public, private, and charter worlds. Despite any sarcasm, this is meant to be helpful.

Big picture: from an education standpoint, DC is both a local/city entity AND a state. Thus in theory the structure is supposed to mimic that of a state in order to interact with the federal Dept of Education and others. The Chancellor and Deputy Mayor roles are basically copies of New York City's model implemented in 2007 with Mayor Fenty's education reorg/reform initiative.

Bottom line: If you have a question or concern about your child or a school, it doesn't hurt to contact several offices (including your DC Council member) for help if you're getting no traction with the school principal. FWIW, Chancellor Michelle Rhee is a quick delegator/expediter. You may not get a definitive response, but you will likely get some type of reply if your message is specific.

Here's a stab at the oversimplified details with acronyms. This is off the top of my head, so no guarantees as to accuracy.

1. DCPS DC Public School. The Chancellor's world. Title of Chancellor is not to be confused with a university head, but roughly equivalent to superintendent of public schools in other places.

2. DC PCSB or DC Public Charter School Board. Totally separate from DCPS despite charters being in fact public schools. Approves and oversees charters but doesn't run them. Board members' links to the business end of charters have come under some criticism lately.

3. DC DOE Department of Education. Or office of the Deputy Mayor of ED. Another NYC title import. Seems to cover some of the "white space" between other local departments. Lots of "liaising" across agencies like police and local community organizations. Operates the Ombudsman office. (There is a new interim ombudsman in seat. He used to work for the chancellor in conflict resolution.)

4. OSSE Office of State Superintendent of Education. Not to be confused with a school superintendent. Used to be the State Education Office (SEO). Most of the functions of a state-level department of education including higher ed, standards, etc.

5. DC SBOE State Board of Education. Kinda, sorta your direct representation. Official role is to "advise" OSSE. This structure has gone back and forth between elected, appointed, some of each. And yes, it has "state" in it's title despite DC not being, well, you get the idea.

This is all still pretty new, although DC's legacy of education mismanagement is unfortunately quite old. HTH

[Anonymous]

PP here. Forgot to mention the butt-insky congressional voucher pushers and blowhards who don't even live here full time and should mind their own bleeping business unless I can vote directly for them. Sorry. Just had to vent.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Very funny and probably somewhat true. I will say, though, that teacher certification requirements are so limited that failing to qualify really does suggest a problem.

Actually, far more stringent than surrounding locales. DC expects teachers to complete a complete certification program (cash cows for universities) for every subject they intend to teach. You are not allowed to submit a combined transcript or experience that will be 'read'; by the State, looking for cumulative experience. This also affects DC teachers who wish to 'add on' a certification to their core. OSSE/DCPS expect them to go back to GO, do not collect 200$, start over. Hence, many great teachers are teaching in VA, which has an intelligent case by case certification process, over OSSE/DCPS -- which asks whether the teachers fits a pre-determined (and changing year to year) box. A TFA 6 month teacher has more validity in DC than someone who has a weighty combination of coursework and experience--valued in VA. Sure some teachers fail the tests, but many are in the frustrating position of having passed the tests, having the appropriate coursework, but it does not 'match' DCPS's rigid requirements. The result? As many underperforming teachers as are being siphoned out, there is also a huge brain-drain over the river (a more supportive teaching system anyway). Who are our kids left with?