Schools in New Orleans Featured on PBS Newshour

As the country marks the 10 year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina's devastation in New Orleans, much attention has been given to the revitalization in the city, particularly the changes that have occurred in its schools. Some applaud the city's use of charters, which have essentially taken the place of a traditional public school system, and see the city as a model for urban school renewal. However, critics see the model as deeply flawed, particularly when it comes to students who have exceptionalities or who do not thrive in a setting that demands intense discipline.

The PBS Newshour featured a story on schools in New Orelans last night as part of their 10-year retrospective on Katrina and how the city has coped with its aftermath. What I appreciate about the segment is that it presents both the champions and the critics of the new system, and it allows for a larger discussion on whether this is a model worth emulating in other cities.