In The Middle Of NOLA

I recommend this measured Sarah Carr look at New Orleans and education change there. One aspect of the New Orleans story frustrating to a lot of people close to the schools there is that nationally there have been two dueling narratives about veteran educators in New Orleans in an effort to score points in the national education debate.

One – told by some national reformers – highlights all the new talent that has come to New Orleans and the many positive educational results.  The other -told by national teachers union leaders and reform critics – highlights teachers who lost their jobs and argues it’s all outsiders as well.  Both misstate the reality and overlook the great work by veteran New Orleans educators after the storm, as a result both are disrespectful to them. Carr doesn’t dive deep on this but provides some context.