Hangin’ in there

The good news: Just 55% of eligible teachers were granted tenure this year, meaning principals have gotten far tougher in demanding proof of proficiency in the classroom before awarding what amounts to a lifetime job guarantee. The bad news: Lots of teachers who don’t make the grade after three years on the job are getting second and even third chances before principals cut them loose.

That’s a disservice to the kids who have to suffer with substandard performers who are struggling to figure out how to teach.

Granted, this year’s numbers are far better than in years past — for example, 2007, when 97% of teachers were given tenure after having to prove little more than the ability to hold a piece of chalk and stay upright in front of a class.

Now — and praise Chancellor Dennis Walcott for this — principals must give evidence that a teacher deserves tenure after three years’ probation rather than granting it automatically.

But too many instructors who don’t measure up are being deferred, rather than let go. In fact, this year, 42% had their decision delayed, while just 3% were deemed hopeless enough to be fired.

Which, in effect, turns the position of probationary teacher into a four-, five- or even six-year on-the-job training program. That’s the opposite of imposing tough standards on a privilege that had long been treated as a right. It’s fine to bring down the percentage of those tenured right off the bat. But dragging it out serves no one, other than the teachers union.

Three years should be plenty of time to learn the ins and outs of running a classroom and imparting knowledge to young minds. After that, it’s time to cut bait.