Because she generates controversy and therefore ratings. DUH.

Because she actually tried changing things, as opposed to the remainder of the DCPS system, which keeps demonstrating that it prefers wallowing in the failed status quo.

Because she was willing to say what many parents think: that waiting for schools to get better isn't good enough.

Most kids get ONE shot at education, and "working with" a failing teacher short changes the students. Rhee made it okay (for me) to voice the fact that I don't want someone teaching my child if the only thing that's keeping them in their job is a UNION and not good job performance.

Because she was an asian in a predominantly black city?

She was refreshing and she actually tried to help DC schools. We need more of Michele Rhee in the world. I feel bad that she was pushed out by the unions...sad for the kids.

No, we need qualified and experienced people running schools. Michelle Rhee was neither.

Anonymous wrote:She and the former mayor were actually making real progress in dc, but the residents seem to prefer poorly equipped leaders who bring the drama.

No, she didn't. That's what you bought. In actuality, Ward 3 did great (like it always does) and the rest of the city did poorly (like it always does). She had a lot of people completely snowed. I had lunch with someone yesterday who is in a powerful ed position and it was refreshing to know that people who are actually in the know, are all in agreement. I give her credit for bringing attention to the schools and making them a priority. That's all she did. Tests scores didn't actually rise and she spent a TON of money.

Anonymous wrote:Because she's an attractive female who fires off her mouth right and left, and purports to champion the underdog.

but the latter trait isn't absolutely required -- you can also get lots of air time if you're an attractive female who fires off her mouth all the time and wants to screw over the less fortunate. see, e.g., Anne Coulter and every loudmouth pundit on Fox.

It really pays to say incendiary things and have a pretty smile while doing it

Anne coulter attractive?!? Michelle wie... Maybe it's a stretch though but these are highly average no one would give 2 looks at unless desperate.

Because she's an attractive female who fires off her mouth right and left, and purports to champion the underdog.

but the latter trait isn't absolutely required -- you can also get lots of air time if you're an attractive female who fires off her mouth all the time and wants to screw over the less fortunate. see, e.g., Anne Coulter and every loudmouth pundit on Fox.

It really pays to say incendiary things and have a pretty smile while doing it

Not ALL dcps parents love/loved her. She took my kids' school and made it WORSE. Glad to be rid of her.

No, I've noticed a lot more skepticism about her in the media. I think the tide has started to turn.

Hasn't changed as much as I would like but it's much better than it was.

Because she is pimping a book which helps them fill airtime and column space. One hand washing the other, nothing more.

It's not just the news media who love Michelle Rhee. Many of us DCPS parents do, too!

She and the former mayor were actually making real progress in dc, but the residents seem to prefer poorly equipped leaders who bring the drama.

She was refreshing and she actually tried to help DC schools. We need more of Michele Rhee in the world. I feel bad that she was pushed out by the unions...sad for the kids.

Once she was fired, I thought we'd have seen enough of Michelle Rhee. But, she keeps writing books and the news outlets keep giving her a forum. She had very little background in education before her DC gig -- enough already!