Education System Deficiencies

History of the Challenge

The education system in New Orleans has a long and complex history shaped by racial segregation, economic disparities, and repeated efforts at reform.

Key historical moments contributing to education inequalities:

• Segregated Schools (1800s–1950s): Public schools in New Orleans were racially segregated, with Black schools receiving fewer resources, outdated textbooks, and inadequate facilities.
• Brown v. Board of Education (1954) & Desegregation Resistance: Despite the Supreme Court ruling, Louisiana resisted integration. The "McDonogh Three" became the first Black students to integrate a White school in 1960, facing harassment and violent protests.
• Funding Disparities (1960s–1990s): Public schools in low-income areas received significantly less funding, leading to overcrowding and high dropout rates.
• Hurricane Katrina (2005) & Charter School Takeover: After Katrina, the state dismantled the traditional public school system and replaced it with the nation’s first all-charter school district under the Recovery School District (RSD).
• Mixed Results from Charter System (2005–Present): While test scores improved in some schools, issues of inequity, discipline policies, and lack of accountability persist. Many charter schools underperform, and parents have fewer options for traditional public schooling.

How We Got to the Present Moment

New Orleans' education system struggles due to:

1. Lack of Equity in Funding: Schools in low-income areas have fewer resources and support.
2. Charter School Challenges: While some perform well, others lack accountability and engage in selective enrollment, leaving behind students with disabilities or behavior challenges.
3. Teacher Shortages & Burnout: Many teachers leave due to low pay, high stress, and limited classroom support.
4. High Dropout Rates: Economic hardships and lack of student engagement contribute to one of the highest dropout rates in Louisiana.
5. School-to-Prison Pipeline: Harsh disciplinary policies disproportionately affect Black students, leading to higher suspension and expulsion rates.

Current Data on the Issue

• Graduation Rate: 74% (lower than the Louisiana state average of 81%)
• Literacy Rate: Nearly 40% of third graders are not reading at grade level.
• Charter School Performance: Only 35% of New Orleans charter schools received an "A" or "B" rating in 2023.
• Teacher Turnover: Over 25% of teachers leave their jobs annually.
• Racial Disparities in Discipline: Black students are 3.5 times more likely to be suspended than White students.

Possible Solutions

Equitable Funding & Resources

1. Increase Public School Funding
• Ensure state and local funding is distributed fairly among schools.
• Provide grants for technology and learning resources in underfunded schools.
2. Reduce Class Sizes & Improve Infrastructure
• Invest in school buildings, especially in aging campuses.
• Hire more teachers to lower student-teacher ratios.

Teacher Recruitment & Retention

1. Higher Teacher Salaries & Better Support
• Increase pay to retain qualified educators.
• Expand mentorship programs for new teachers.
2. Training & Professional Development
• Offer training in trauma-informed teaching to help teachers support students facing adversity.
• Strengthen STEM and literacy programs for educators.

Charter School Accountability & Reform

1. Stronger Oversight on Charter Schools
• Hold underperforming charter schools accountable or replace them with high-quality public schools.
• Ensure charter schools serve students with disabilities and behavioral challenges fairly.
2. Increase Transparency & Community Involvement
• Give parents a stronger voice in charter school governance.
• Expand publicly elected school boards to ensure local control.

Improving Student Outcomes & Engagement

1. Expand Early Childhood Education
• Invest in universal Pre-K programs to improve literacy rates.
• Increase funding for Head Start programs in low-income communities.
2. Address the School-to-Prison Pipeline
• End zero-tolerance policies that criminalize minor behavioral issues.
• Train educators in restorative justice practices instead of suspensions.
3. Expand College & Career Readiness Programs
• Provide more dual-enrollment courses to let high school students earn college credit.
• Strengthen vocational and technical education for students not pursuing college.

Organizations Actively Working on These Solutions

1. New Schools for New Orleans (NSNO)
• Focuses on improving school quality, training educators, and charter accountability.
• Website: www.nsno.org
2. Urban League of Louisiana Education & Youth Development
• Works to close achievement gaps and expand college access for minority students.
• Website: www.urbanleaguela.org
3. Louisiana Association of Public Charter Schools
• Advocates for equity and accountability in the charter school system.
• Website: www.lacharterschools.org
4. Kids Rethink New Orleans Schools
• A student-led organization that advocates for school improvements and youth leadership.
• Website: www.therethinkers.org
5. Teach for America - Greater New Orleans
• Trains and places teachers in underserved schools to improve educational equity.
• Website: www.teachforamerica.org
6. Propeller - Education & Workforce Programs
• Supports educational entrepreneurs who create programs to improve student outcomes.
• Website: www.gopropeller.org
7. The Education Trust - Louisiana
• Focuses on data-driven advocacy to close achievement gaps.
• Website: www.edtrust.org
8. NOLA Public Schools (NOLA-PS)
• The city’s school district overseeing charter schools and public education policy.
• Website: www.nolapublicschools.com
9. YouthForce NOLA
• Provides workforce development programs for high school students.
• Website: www.youthforcenola.org
10. The Cowen Institute at Tulane University

• Conducts research and policy analysis on New Orleans' education system.
• Website: www.coweninstitute.org

Outside Success Stories

1. Washington, D.C. – Universal Pre-K Success
• What Worked: D.C. offers free, universal pre-K for all families, increasing student success rates.
• Lesson for New Orleans: Expanding universal early education can improve long-term educational outcomes.
2. Chicago, IL – Community Schools Model
• What Worked: Chicago converted public schools into community hubs offering after-school programs and family support.
• Lesson for New Orleans: Wraparound education services can help at-risk students succeed.

On this page

• Education System Deficiencies
• History of the Challenge
• How We Got to the Present Moment
• Current Data on the Issue
• Possible Solutions
• Equitable Funding & Resources
• Teacher Recruitment & Retention
• Charter School Accountability & Reform
• Improving Student Outcomes & Engagement
• Organizations Actively Working on These Solutions
• Outside Success Stories