New Study Gives D.C. And MD An "F" Grade For Removing Ineffective Teachers

By Kavitha Cardoza

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Leaders and Laggards report, which grades states based on education innovation, has given Virginia top marks for removing ineffective teachers from the classroom while Maryland and D.C. got a failing grade.

The report card doesn't look at academic successes of today. Rather, it focuses on what states are doing to prepare for challenges that lie ahead, saying there cannot be achievement in the long run without innovation.

Both Maryland and D.C. received an "F" grade when it came to removing ineffective teachers.

Approximately 75 percent of principals say teacher's unions are a barrier.

Arthur Rothkopf of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce helped write the report. "We're not saying there should be mass firings," says Rothkopf, "but if you can't deal with teachers who are not improving performance of students then it's clear innovation will not take place."

Rothkopf says D.C.'s Chancellor Michelle Rhee has not been here long enough for her practices to be reflected in the data.

Maryland, Virginia and D.C. all received a B grade for how they hire and evaluate teachers.