Why has the OPE approach attracted the attention of progressive union leaders?
The OPE system greatly expands the position of teachers and their unions by creating a new “quid pro quo” where teachers accept accountability as individuals in return for a significantly expanded role in public education. First, since the classroom rather than the negotiating table will determine career advancement, teachers get an equal say in all major issues that affect classrooms such as curricula and professional development. Second, teachers rather than administrators are given responsibility for the observation portion of a teacher’s evaluation. Finally, when either through observation or value-added scores, a teacher is identified for remediation, no decisions about this process can be made without the agreement of teachers, who constitute the majority of the review panel. This ensures fair treatment while making it possible to remove teachers who are unable to improve their practice and whose ineffective instruction undermines the ability of children to achieve.
