Hawaii Makes Race to Top Progress, But Is It Enough?

by Michele McNeil, Education Week, August 24, 2012 (excerpt)

... There's still one key thing missing from Hawaii's Race to the Top portfolio: a new teachers' contract. A lengthy labor dispute has now entered the mediation phase, and it's unclear what—if anything—will come from it. What's needed, according to the promises Hawaii made to secure its $75 million grant, is a new contract so that it can link new teacher evaluations to consequences beginning in the 2014-15 school year....

And what happens if Obama loses the election to former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, who will bring in his own education secretary? There will be more than a year left for implementation, so how will a new administration oversee the grants? There are so many questions as Race to the Top hits this two-year mark.

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Simple solution for HSTA: Stall Negotiations until November 7, and suddenly settle.  Then begin shouting blame at Sen. Lingle and Pres. Romney.  This, of course, is modelled on the HSTA furlough strategy.  Its a win-win: HSTA is saved from accountability and they get to reenforce their position within the Dem Party against reformers.  And remember: You heard it here first.