Let's stipulate this: There are some excellent teachers in the D.C.Public Schools. Conversely, there are others who are absolutely lousy. They have long since retired on the job; their prime motivation, now, is collecting a paycheck.

If the Washington Teachers Union were arguing for the protection of the former, its leadership would find support - even from me. But, when it throws up a blockade, defending the latter, it loses credibility.

Everyone understands the prime directive of unions is to protect the rights of workers. The WTU shouldn't achieve that goal at the expense of children, however. And logically, teachers should be front-line protesters of a system that would shortchange youth.

Yet, even before the terms of a proposed new contract between WTU and the DCPS are presented, some union leaders have started a campaign suggesting teachers will be wronged.

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Children have been wronged for decades. Their futures have taken a back seat to the interests of adults and elected officials. The result has been unconscionable: Large numbers of youth have graduated from DCPS as functional illiterates, forced to make their way in a global marketplace without sufficient skills to adequately care for themselves much less contribute to society.

Enough is enough.

Mayor Adrian M. Fenty, Schools Chancellor Michelle Rhee, and the D.C. Council are to be commended for improvements made thus far to public education: They reduced the central administration that often hindered the smooth operation of schools; introduced a superior standard for selecting and hiring principals; improved school buildings; and have planned the return of such basics as art, music and physical education to the curriculum. 

They have yet to enhance student performance, however. That can't happen without transforming the DCPS teaching corps.

For decades, there have been calls to introduce pay for performance. Parents have demanded that more teachers demonstrate expertise in the subjects in which they are providing instruction. They also want all teachers certified. 

Additionally, parents have decried the lengthy process for ridding schools of bad teachers. Passing poor performing teachers from one school to the next is comparable to a metastasizing cancer. Before long, the entire body is imperiled; that's where the system is today.

The new WTU contract will be made public in a week. Teachers may be asked to trade higher salaries for “at-will” employment status. Their ability to return to a previous position commonly called “retreat rights” also may be on the table.  Members' decision to approve or disapprove the contract will be tangible evidence of how much they value District youth.

Council members committed to fully transforming the DCPS don't have to wait for the union. Using legislation, they can provide the chancellor the tools to improve the teaching corps, ensuring that finally - after decades of waiting - the interests of children are placed above those of adults.