Politics- In School and Out

Over the last week, I have been attempting to discuss politics with different teachers with in my placement. It's interesting because in my search for honest and unbiased opinions, I have found that the politics that effect schools from the outside, create political battles INSIDE of schools.

Here is an example from another school district:
The superintendent is pressured by the state to raise test scores and lower the failing rate in the high school. In response, the superintendent issues a statement saying "a failed student is a failed teacher." This was meant to be a supportive, encouraging comment to inspire teachers to make sure that each child is understanding the material. Rewards from the state if the failing rate drops are known to the whole school in monetary value but yet teachers see this statement as an attack on their teaching.
Inner school chaos ensues with angry emails, and short tempers flying at Department meetings. Academic Administrators are expected to play both sides of the field, supporting the statement in its cause, yet being empathetic with the teachers in their department. What are the issues with this deep down?

• The superintendent did not think of the teachers and staffs response to this statement.
• The superintendent did not understand that by saying this he is implying a lack of tenure to teachers with students that fail.
• Teachers have the right and should be able to keep the right to fail students according to the students actions, attendance, and work in class.
• Passing students no matter what is not teaching students to try and achieve. If students are going to be passed no matter how many days they miss class, or how little work they do, then why are they in school?
• Finally, if students are passed with out being responsible for the learning, that will only make State test score decline because students who normally would not take the test on account of failing the course would most likely be failing the state test as well.

I am not saying that is ok to fail a student because a teacher does not like him/her. But it is necessary for teachers to have control of the grading system that applies to their classroom. By letting Outside politics control/influence the inner working of the classroom, teachers are losing power and maybe eventually their jobs.

What do you think about this situation?