Making the grade in New York.

Like the students they educate, New York City public schools are expected to earn good grades on, their report cards. If they don t, they will face "serious consequences,' including possible principal changes, according to Schools Chancellor Joel Klein. But the union representing the principals says that will happen only if they agree.

As part of a comprehensive accountability initiative, Klein says each of the city's 1,408 schools will receive a "Progress Report" with a letter grade of A, B, C, D or F beginning in 2007-08 school year.

"We hold our children accountable every day. Starting now, we are holding our schools and ourselves more accountable as well," Klein said in April.

Schools will be graded on average academic growth of individual students from year to year, average student achievement on annual state exams, attendance rates, safety data, and results of parent, teacher and student surveys..

The Progress Reports will be piloted during the 2006-07 school year in 200 schools that will receive letter grades starting next spring.

Schools also will receive a "Quality Score" based on how effectively they monitor student progress, set teaching and learning goals, and create environments conducive to teaching and learning, as well as principals' leadership skills and parent involvement. A pilot quality review program began this spring.

Klein says consequences for schools with chronically low grades and quality scores will include targeted improvement efforts, changes in principals, and restructuring or closure. High-scoring schools will get additional funding.

Any plan to remove or replace principals might require negotiation, says Jill Levy, president of the principals' union--the Council of School Supervisors & Administrators. "Working it out requires Joel to put his plan on the table so we can see whether or not it fits with our contractual agreement and with state law," Levy says.