Submitted by Dr. Jacqueline Taylor Basker, Nov 28, 2007 01:36

Labels and blame are easy - analyzing the complexities of educational failure involve broad understanding of social, economic and cultural issues out of which schools emerge. Yet any management expert understands that the immediate causes for incompetence begin at the top. My teaching experience for over 11 years was under a series of inept principals, who not only impeded the educational process, but sabotaged it through inept decisions, Their refusal to procure needed supplies and books, to place teachers with the proper expertise in specialized classes and then dismantling successful programs in science, math and the arts - even throwing out equipment and books - were among the appalling behaviors I observed. And, the worst Asst. Principals in our school, who were barely literate, misspelled memos and felt their role as an administrator was akin to a KGB agent in order to produce "U" ratings for teachers they personally disliked (i.e. the UFT rep, an excellent teacher who was axed), are now graduates of Klein's new Principals' Academy and actually Principals in schools! But, there is a form of perfect symmetry: Klein at the top, with no educational experience or background, with an army of unequally incompetent administrators costumed in designer suits blaming teachers for their failures. Well done, Mr. Bloomberg!

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