D.C. Public Schools: Taking Stock of Education Reform

Subcommittee on Oversight of Government Management, the Federal Workforce, and the District of Columbia

Thursday, July 23, 2009
02:30 PM
Dirksen Senate Office Building, room SD-342

[view archive webcast]

On Thursday, July 23, 2009, the Subcommittee on Oversight of Government Management, the Federal Workforce, and the District of Columbia held a hearing titled "District of Columbia Public Schools: Taking Stock of Education Reform." This was the third in a series of Subcommittee hearings addressing D.C.’s progress in reforming its education system. This hearing reviewed a U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) study that evaluated the first two years of the reforms, "District of Columbia Public Schools: Important Steps Taken to Continue Reform Efforts, But Enhanced Planning Could Improve Implementation and Sustainability." The long-term GAO study, examined steps the District has taken to (1) address student achievement; (2) strengthen the quality of teachers and principals; (3) develop long-term plans and involve stakeholders; and (4) improve accountability and performance of DCPS and the State Superintendent’s central office.

The full GAO report can be accessed online: http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d09619.pdf

Member Statements

• Senator Daniel K. Akaka   [view statement]

Witnesses

Panel 1

• Ms. Michelle Rhee [view testimony]
  Chancellor
  District of Columbia Public Schools
• Mr. Victor Reinoso [view testimony]
  Deputy Mayor for Education
  District of Columbia Department of Education
• Dr. Kerri Briggs [view testimony]
  Acting State Superintendent of Education
  District of Columbia Department of Education
• Ms. Cornelia M. Ashby [view testimony]
  Director, Education, Workforce, and Income Security Issues
  United States Government Accountability Office