Agenda

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

Witnesses

Panel 1

• Ms.  Michelle Rhee

  Chancellor

  District of Columbia Public Schools
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• Mr.  Victor Reinoso

  Deputy Mayor for Education

  District of Columbia Department of Education
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• Dr.  Kerri Briggs

  Acting State Superintendent of Education

  District of Columbia Department of Education
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• Ms.  Cornelia M. Ashby

  Director, Education, Workforce, and Income Security Issues

  United States Government Accountability Office
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