Taking Charge of Quality

An introduction and companion to United Mind Workers, one of the most provocative educational reform books of the 90s. This booklet is the ultimate study-group discussion starter on teacher's union reform. Taking Charge of Quality outlines proposals for improving the quality of teaching, touching on issues such as standards, peer review, career ladders, hiring halls, school-based compacts, and teacher accountability. Includes a resource section. Introduction 1

Part I: A Call to Action 3

1. The Educational Challenges 5

2. What Can Teachers and Unions Do? 11

Part II: A Commitment to Quality 17

3. Improving the Craft of Teaching 19

4. Upgrading Educational Standards 26

5. Evaluating the Work of Peers 32

Part III: Organizing Around Transforming Schools 39

6. New Contracting Strategies 41

7. Hiring and Rewarding Teachers 49

8. Creating More Career Flexibility for Teachers 52

9. What Teachers Can Do Now 58

Conclusions: Organizing the Other Half of Teaching 61

Resources 62

Organizations 63

The Authors 64

CHARLES TAYLOR KERCHNER is Hollis P. Allen professor of educationat Claremont Graduate University in Claremont, California. He iscoauthor of United Mind Workers: Unions and Teaching in theKnowledge Society, A Union of Professionals, and The Changing Ideaof a Teacher's Union.

JULIA E. KOPPICH is president of Julia E. Koppich and Associates, aSan Francisco-based education consulting firm. She is coauthor ofUnited Mind Workers and A Union of Professionals.

JOSEPH G. WEERES is professor of education at Claremont GraduateSchool and coauthor of United Mind Workers and Voices from theInside: A Report on Schooling from Inside the Classroom.