When you have your case won, sit down and shut up.

          I learned that in law school.

          When the person following you to the witness stand is an expert with an extraordinary commitment to educating every child, regardless of the skills or limitations the student brings to the classroom, sit down and shut up.

           I learned that today.

           The witness was Dr. Andres Alonso, CEO of the Baltimore City Public Schools.

           “The conversation in Baltimore City is no longer about how these kids can’t learn,” he told my committee.  “If we do the right work, these kids will succeed.” 

             My bill would permit the suspension or dismissal or teachers or principals for ineffectiveness, as measured by standards that will be adopted as part of Maryland’s successful application for Race to the Top funds from the federal government.

             “If you think my kids are too tough to teach,” declared Dr. Alonso, “you shouldn’t be in my system.” 

             My legislation is a long shot this year, but Dr. Alonso began the conversation.

March 2