Between now and August, lots of ink will be spilled on the changes that swept through New Orleans in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, which devastated the city ten years ago.
This week, we learned some good news about “the most radical overhaul” a school district has seen in the past century. New research suggests the Crescent City’s experiment — in which school choice is widespread, educators are given autonomy to run schools (most of which are charters), and the district helps ensure systemic equity for students — has led to improved student achievement.
The money sentence from the report:
On all objective measures, from standardized tests to graduation rates to college enrollment, progress has been made by the city’s students and educators.
Some features of the city’s charter sector could spread to the remaining traditional schools, which may soon enjoy greater autonomy.
Caveats, drawbacks and system-wide challenges remain, as do questions about whether, and how, the model could apply in other cities.
Spotlight on charter schools
Charter schools grew in response to an unresponsive D.C. public school system.
The charter school debate remains stuck in the past.
The Rhode Island Legislature aims to restrict charter schools despite rallies by supporters and signs charters are doing well.
Teachers unions are targeting charters with organizing drives.
Meanwhile…
The Thomas B. Fordham Institute wonks out over education savings accounts. Others weigh in here and here. See a more pessimistic take here, while the Las Vegas Sun looks at potential pitfalls.
Equity problems matter.
Tensions mount among New York Democrats over tax credit scholarships, which have union support.
Parents re-enroll students in the Tennessee Vitual Academy despite the threat of closure.
ICYMI, this week on redefinED
Plaintiffs appeal ruling in Florida tax credit scholarship lawsuit
Florida House, Senate expand special needs scholarship accounts
How did school choice issues fare in Florida’s budget deal?
Want to open a charter school? What’s your track record?
School boards eye changes after school choice battle
Quote of the week
I think most of what I’ve heard so far is that people want choice; they want options. If we lose students to charters, then we have to think very differently about why people are leaving. The reality is we have to be asking parents why they’re leaving. What is it that they want and then how can we provide that?
-Incoming Palm Beach County Schools Superintendent Robert Avossa, who sounds like the newest member of the Tsunami Club, in an interview with the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
What is that you want, and how can we provide it? Let me know at tpillow(at)sufs(dot)org, or get in touch with Patrick Gibbons, who helps compile this weekly rundown of the week in school choice.
