Town Hall Meeting with Mayor Fenty and Chancellor Rhee a Great Success

On Saturday, November 2nd, 2007 Mayor Adrian Fenty and DC Public School Chancellor Michelle Rhee, hosted over 100 DC Youth as they gathered at THEARC in Ward 8 to share their concerns and thoughts about DC’s school system. As students filled the 20 roundtables, excitement filled the air as the Director of the DC Youth Advisory Council, Janice Ferebee, instructed all adults to “step back” and let the students “step up.” The next two hours would be a conversation between the youth and Chancellor Rhee.

The group tackled 2 major issues:

1. What are the Characteristics of quality Teachers and Principals?
What are the top 5 qualities you want in a teacher/principal?
If you were to give teachers/principals report cards what would they be graded on?
What makes an ineffective teacher/principal?

2. School Climate and Environment
What are some of the good things about your school that keeps you and others attending?
What are the top three things in your school that are missing and that would make it a better place to learn?

Among the qualities that youth wanted in a teacher and principal are: someone who is dedicated, motivated, supportive, and has the appropriate training. What makes an ineffective teacher/principal is someone who lacks understanding about the issues that affect teens, who are not willing to help students, and those who do not have control of the class. Among the factors that would be on the “report card” of teachers and principals are professionalism, communication with students and support staff, and motivation.

The overarching message that youth conveyed to Chancellor Rhee was that DCPS schools need to provide the students with quality teachers and principals who are held accountable. Students want more quality in-school and after-school programming (honor and AP courses, technology, sports teams), and better facilities.