Chicago Teachers Strike Down to Two Key Points

COMMENTARY | As the stand off between Chicago Public Schools (CPS) and the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) enters its third day, contract negotiations focus on two key points: recalling teachers, who lose their jobs due to circumstances beyond their control, and doing away with teacher performance evaluations.

As a non-parent, resident and taxpayer, I empathize with both groups, who have diametrically distinctive objectives. Indeed, Chicago public school teachers deserve "respect," competitive wages and to work in a safe environment. However, it is unfathomable that over the past decade, Chicago Public Schools' educational system has been lagging far behind other national school districts. Yet, the Chicago Teachers Union perceive these positions as an "entitlement" versus a job that mandates a performance evaluation.

For teachers and unions, the goal is uninterrupted job security. Chicago, being America's third-largest city, calls for an educational system that complements its world-class status. This means employing CPS teachers, who meet and surpass job performance standards.

From students, business executives to sales representatives, everyone receives a grade based on performance. Why should Chicago public teachers be any different? Moreover, what does this lack of accountability teach our children? Our students need a quality education, as it is paramount to our nation's economy .

On the other side of the table, the City of Chicago maintains a responsibility to its citizens that their children will receive an education competitive with other U.S. cities and nations. And given the fact that the CPS is the second largest employer in Illinois, it's quite refreshing that Mayor Rahm Emanuel, president of the Chicago Board of Education David Vitale , et al are not doing back flips to appease Chicago teachers and the union during a primary election year.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/chicago-teachers-strike-down-two-key-points-225700022.html

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