In an unprecedented move, Chicago Public Schools is dismissing the faculty and staff working in eight of its schools. This isn't a run-of-the-mill turnaround, since the eight schools, elementary through high schools, are clustered in the same neighborhood. Says district CEO Arne Duncan, "The simple premise is you can't fix the high school without also fixing the elementary schools. By doing this by neighborhood, we have a chance in a very short amount of time to dramatically impact the educational opportunities for children in that community."

The overhaul wields the ax to no less than seven principals and nearly 200 teachers. Teachers will have the chance to reapply for their positions though the district hopes to replace them with "better trained and better prepared teachers." Principals and master teachers in the turnaround schools will be eligible for an annual performance bonus of $10,000.

The Chicago Teachers Union strongly opposes the plan. "Basically, they turnaround the name, or call it something different and not change what they're doing, it's going to create something different. It's called insanity," said CTU President Marilyn Stuart.

CPS' approach seems innovative to us--but we'll wait to see where the cards land to cast judgment.