Superintendent White Announces RSD Commitments to New Orleans
9/5/2011 12:00:00 AM
The commitments, released in a report called "What Will it Take?" are the result of 100 days of working with community members, educators, parents and students.
RSD SUPERINTENDENT ANNOUNCES COMMITMENTS TO NEW ORLEANS
What Will it Take? report is the result of 100 days external and internal planning
NEW ORLEANS, La – Recovery School District Superintendent John White today announced 12 commitments to the city of New Orleans during an event at Loyola University’s Louis J. Roussel Hall. The commitments, released in a report called What Will it Take? comprise concrete steps the city can take to build a system of schools capable of preparing every child for college or a professional career. The commitments are the result of 100 days of working with community members, educators, parents and students.
The 100-Day strategy began May 16, after Superintendent White convened four task force committees, comprised of representatives of four distinct groups: educators, parents, community members, and students. Eight leaders in the community were selected to serve as co-chairs of the task force groups. Over the last three months, these groups and the RSD have sought input through public meetings, comment cards, online surveys, and posts to the website: www.rsd100days.com.
Included among the commitments are:
- Continuing to overhaul charter and traditional schools where most students are not graduating or reading on grade level.
- “Equity Reports” for each school that measure not just student achievement but also how well the school serves special education students and how well the school retains students over time rather than expelling children or watching them drop out.
- A citywide enrollment system whereby parents submit one application to multiple schools, indicate neighborhood of residence, and are guaranteed an offer of admission.
- A diverse portfolio of high schools, including career and technical high schools, high schools that share courses with colleges, and high schools tailored to students who are behind or have had behavioral issues.
- A facilities plan that gets students out of temporary classrooms, puts every child in a new or renovated building and employs as many local businesses and residents as possible.
Click here to download the What Will it Take? document.
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