Myth 2: Schools aren’t much better since the state takeover

Fact:  Schools are doing significantly better than before the storm.

Let’s compare pre-Katrina spring 2005 to now – fall 2010:

The percentage of failing schools (with an SPS below 60) has declined significantly from 66% to 26%.

  • In 2005, 78 of 118 schools that received an SPS were failing (66%).
  • In 2010, 18 of 68 schools that received an SPS are still failing (26%).

Percentage of Failing Schools
OPSB and RSD Combined

The percentage of schools rated 2 stars or higher (an SPS of 80 or above) has more than doubled since 2005.

  • In 2005, 17 of 117 schools that received an SPS were rated 2 stars or higher (15%).
  • In 2010, 26 of 68 schools that received an SPS were rated 2 stars or higher (38%).

Percentage of Schools 2 Stars or Higher
OPSB and RSD Combined

These are remarkable gains!

FACT:  Our schools are much better today than they were in 2005.

FACT:  Do they still need to get better? Absolutely.

FACT:  Transformational change is taking place in New Orleans public schools.

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