Although New Orleans has concentrations of highly-ranked public schools, the state has again scored dead last in performance as reported in the annual US News and World Report’s 2021 state rankings. An additional ranking by WalletHub used 32 metrics to compile a list of the best to worst school systems in the U.S. with Louisiana occupying the 50th position.
Put People First is demanding candidates who will address ongoing student and school performance issues on a local level. This perennial problem is one with long tentacles, affecting every aspect of our society.
When our city become the first in the nation to adopt an all-charter school district system, the challenge to provide reliable public transport for our students became even worse. The problem with a decentralized public school system is that each charter school acts as its own district, and assumes all responsibilities, including the challenge of transport. This issue will not go away until a solution is found that will ensure every child can travel safely to school, without spending unreasonable amounts of time in transport.
Put People First believes candidates must champion policies that will address education performance holistically. This means support for social and emotional (SEL) learning—starting with early childhood education and beyond. Research shows SEL not only improves student achievement but also increases behaviors that can substantially impact their success in life.
Are you tired of our kids lacking the resources and investment for better educational opportunities? Shouldn’t we be taking a closer look at the states that outperform us year after year? What are they doing that we’re not doing? Together, let’s support candidates who’ll ask these questions and work toward improving the future of our children.