In any discussion about the current state of the public
education system, dozens of factors are cited as reasons behind the steady
decline in student performance. Yet it eventually boils down to the
relationship between the level of teaching and the educational outcome.
Therefore, it is essential that teachers be accountable for their performance
in class. Yet the system as it stands today makes this nearly impossible.

About a week ago, I watched a story on CNN about how the Chicago school
district chief has proposed firing all the teachers and their supporting staff
in eight failing schools. He proposed that after all the teachers are fired
they should reapply for their jobs, stating that only teachers who are talented
and well-qualified would be rehired. What prompted this drastic proposal,
according to the school chief Arne Duncan, is the miserable performance in
these schools compared to others in the district and in the country. For
example, in one of the aforementioned schools about 95 percent of the students
failed the state academic exam.

This level of incompetence is appalling, but so is a drastic measure that
amounts to nothing more than collective punishment.

One is forced to consider what would push the superintendent to seek such a
drastic solution. It seems that one of the reasons is that the regulations set
forth by the teachers? unions make it virtually impossible to fire a teacher
based on the performance of their students. Not only that, but they also make
it difficult for teachers who have been convicted of sexual harassment or
misconduct to be fired as well. The guidelines set by the unions are so lengthy
and costly that some school districts resort to putting these teachers on
indefinite paid leave! This is not a problem that Chicago faces alone but is a
national dilemma, and those who are paying the price are the children of this
nation.

It?s true that teachers are not solely responsible for the performance of their
students. It is also true that a small percentage of students will fail
regardless of their teachers? efforts. Yet when 95 percent of the students fail
a standardized test, teachers must take their share of responsibility. A school
district should have the power to punish underperforming teachers, and the
current system simply does not enable it to do so effectively.

The main argument of the teachers? unions is that there is plenty of blame to
go around, and that teachers should not bear the burden alone. This might be
partially true, and I believe that school administrations and parents do play
their roles. Yet this does not acquit teachers of their share of the blame.

If one looks at the overall performance of a teacher?s students compared to the
performance of their peers, one can see a direct relation between the quality
of teaching and students? grades. Hence, it is only logical that students?
grades should be used as a gauge of a teacher?s performance.

Also, the unions argue that their guidelines ensure that no teacher is unduly
terminated ? I disagree. One who looks at the length and complexity of these
guidelines can only conclude that they aim to prevent teachers from being
fired, period. A simple look at how much it costs to fire an underperforming
teacher ? which in Illinois is an average of $219,504 in legal fees ? shows
just how lengthy and expensive it is to do so.

In 2006, as newsmagazine ?20/20? has reported, New York spent around $20
million to warehouse teachers who are considered to be dangerous to students in
?rubber rooms.? This means that they sit out their work hours in empty rooms
paid for by the government, while still getting paid! They resorted to this
tactic because of the absurd amount it would cost to fire each one of them.
Also, to ensure that these teachers do not go back to class, in case they win
their lawsuits. Also, the fact these guidelines are based on the assumption
that all underperforming teachers are failing in virtually all aspects of their
profession, just adds fuel to the fire.

Unions should have some power and influence over the rules and regulations of
their profession. This power should be limited, and it shouldn?t be on the
expense of this nation?s future. Just like an employer would not concede to
unreasonable demands by his workers, the Department of Education should not bow
down to the unreasonable demands of teachers? unions. Especially when these
demands lead not only to financial loss, but also to the loss of the future and
potential of America?s youth.

Ammar Al Marzouqi (a[email protected]) is a freshman majoring in
computer engineering.