The key question, which nobody appears to be answering (maybe because no-one knows), is whether NYC is losing its best, most experienced principals, or pushing out (overtly or subtlely) the worst, burned out old-timers who should have been pushed out long ago?  As I noted in an email a couple of days ago, if the reform of the NYPD under Bratton is any guide, the latter is the case, in which case we should be celebrating this trend.

-------------------------

May 27, 2006

Editorial

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/05/27/opinion/27sat3.html?pagewanted=print

The Principals Vanish

The education reforms that are under way across the United States fall mainly on the shoulders of school principals, whose jobs are growing more difficult — and more crucial — every day. They must train and inspire new teachers, manage budgets, schedule classes, interact with often troubled families, and keep clean, orderly buildings — all while raising standards and improving student performance, as is now required by federal law. This walk-on-water job requires sound training and a good support system. But it also requires experience, especially in challenging school systems like New York City's, which is on the verge of giving principals even more responsibility...