Better School Reform

· Third, the mayor should be given control of some underperforming schools -- one high school and all its feeder schools -- and be evaluated on their progress after three years. This is similar to the frequently cited Los Angeles model, where mayoral control is being tried at selected schools. We could compare the progress at Mayor Fenty's schools with similarly low-performing schools under the control of the superintendent and the board. Data on the effectiveness of mayoral control are scarce, but this would provide firm, relevant facts upon which to base a decision.

· Fourth, the superintendent should have ex officio cabinet-level status so that he may become a partner with other cabinet members, who can provide greater assistance in meeting the social, health and other needs of our students in a timely manner.

· Fifth, the council should outlaw social promotions. We do not help our students by advancing them before they're ready. In fact, we handicap them -- in many cases for life.

This plan would allow the mayor to demonstrate the benefits of his plan without wholesale experimentation with our school system and its students.

The mayor and the council would have line-item budgetary control, and thus greater accountability. And, importantly, our limited democracy would not be kicked to the curb in the process.

The writer is an at-large member of the D.C. Council.