Newswise — After an extensive, 12-week project to assess New Orleans public schools, a coalition including the Scott S. Cowen Institute for Public Education Initiatives at Tulane University issued six recommendations and a call to transform the city's public schools.
The Cowen Institute, along with the Greater New Orleans Education Foundation and the New Orleans City Council Education Committee, released the findings in June 2007.
"This assessment provides a baseline from which to measure the progress of our schools in the future," said Scott S. Cowen, president of Tulane University. "It identifies many critical areas in need of attention but also some bright spots that can form the foundation for providing a high-quality public education for every student in public schools in New Orleans."
A key component of the assessment was an extensive community engagement effort that gathered input from more than 3,000 parents, teachers and students from all 58 public schools in New Orleans -- those operated by the Recovery School District (RSD), the Orleans Parish School Board and all charter schools. Input was gathered through a community survey, discussions with 25 schools and community groups, and meetings and interviews with local and national education leaders.
"The report captures both the concerns and the hope expressed by citizens throughout New Orleans," said Councilwoman Cynthia Hedge-Morrell, city council member and chair of the council's education and budget committees. "Now we must come together as a united community and support the plan of action that will improve education for all public school students regardless of race or socioeconomic background. This is our opportunity to transform public schools in New Orleans from obstacles into assets for economic growth."
Although only 25 percent of those surveyed believe that public schools are better now than before Hurricane Katrina, 59 percent believe that schools will be better in the future.
The survey identified the community's top three priorities for good public schools: high-quality teachers, clear and high goals for students and safe and disciplined schools. Assessment findings indicate that the New Orleans community is more involved and supportive of public education since Katrina. The increased number and involvement of nonprofit groups and education foundations -- both local and national -- are viewed as positive means for attracting more resources to support schools.
The study's first recommendation urges there should be enough schools open to accommodate every student when schools open in August. Securing adequate facilities to reopen schools in August for the estimated 6,000-7,000 returning students remains a key challenge. In addition, there could be a shortage of as many as 375 teachers in Orleans Parish public schools this August.
Additional recommendations focus on ensuring long-term transformation of the public school system. Bob Reily, chair of the Greater New Orleans Education Foundation, said, "We believe that the recommendations presented in this report will provide a solid foundation for ongoing community support efforts to improve our schools. Transforming public education in New Orleans will not happen overnight. It requires thoughtful planning and relentless execution."
The 70-page study also shed light on the serious infrastructure and operational challenges many public schools continue to face, particularly the RSD. For example, as of May, almost half of RSD-operated schools (45 percent) still serve cold meals.
The study identifies three areas that have emerged since Katrina that can serve as a foundation for better schools in the future: making school choice a reality for all students, offering schools more autonomy and increased accountability, and development of a systemwide effort to enhance teacher and principal performance. The report also highlights the current lack of visible collaboration among schools to date and the need for improvement.
"This report is an informative assessment by the community with a thoughtful set of recommendations that will inform RSD priorities as we go forward," said Paul Pastorek, Louisiana state superintendent of education. "Transforming the new system of schools in New Orleans will require this kind of community involvement if we are to be successful. I am grateful for the leadership of the sponsoring agencies who initiated and brought this assessment to fruition."
The Boston Consulting Group conducted the "State of Public Education in New Orleans" assessment project. Additional information is available in the complete report. http://www.stateofnolaschools.org/
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