NAACP Hearing on Quality Education held in New Orleans

  Monique Judge with the Root writes about how the NAACP is hosting the sixth of seven hearings discussing the impact of charter schools on underfunded school districts. “In the African-American community and America broadly, public education represents sacred institutions built upon the blood, sweat and tears of our forebears—left as a legacy for today’s school children,” NAACP President and CEO Cornell William Brooks. read more here  

With Betsy Devos on the Frontline, How Can Education Make America Great Again?

  For quite some time now, I’ve struggled with wrapping my brain around just what is going on in our country as it relates to the Trump Administration. Seriously struggling. And while Twitter memes and SNL skits have made it amusing, as I assume responsibility for the high school students I serve each day, I am quickly reminded that this is no laughing matter. There is nothing funny about what is taking… Read More

A Strong School Culture Relies on a Strong Principal

  The feeling during the summer before a new school year begins is very different than the one felt by teachers and school staff the subsequent spring. But, despite the burnout and the frustration, someone needs to be the force that students and staff look to for both support and guidance. Someone needs to be the glue that holds all systems in place and keep them afloat. That someone should be the… Read More

Neighborhoods should not be sold separately

  I can remember going over to the King’s house, which was on the same block as my school and a block before my house, to get the best flavor ‘frozen cup’. Sometimes, I would venture a block past my house if I had a taste for the Rankin’s frozen cups, which were just as good and they even offered different flavors and a variety of snacks. On my way home, I… Read More

Patrick Dobard resigns from the Recovery School District

Kari Dequine Harden of the Louisiana Weekly writes about the resignation of RSD Superintendent, Patrick Dobard. Mr. Dobard is leaving his position with the RSD to take over as the Chief executive Officer of New Schools for New Orleans. “During his tenure as Superintendent for the Recovery School District, Patrick Dobard was able to guide our area schools with the confidence and tact of a seasoned leader,” said OPSB Superintendent Dr. Henderson… Read More

Is This Still About Educating Our Kids?

There is something missing from all of these education confirmations, meetings, school visits, bills, policies and conversations. In my opinion, it’s the human element and more specifically our kids and what is in their best interest.  Earlier this year, our new Secretary of Education was aggressively denied entrance into Jefferson Middle School Academy in Washington D.C., returning a few weeks later to meet with staff, teachers and students. An interview Secretary DeVos… Read More

Standing up for our immigrant students and their families

This piece originally ran at Education Leaders of Color and was written by Mary Moran, a member of EdLoC and the co-founder of Our Voice Nuestra Voz (OVNV), an education advocacy and parent organizing start-up in New Orleans. Imagine yourself at six years old, likely in first grade. You get on the bus or walk with your parents to school every day. When you walk into a classroom, you are learning to read, add and… Read More

New Orleans charter schools spend more on administration and less on teaching

Marta Jewson with the Lens writes about how New Orleans charter schools are spending more on administration and less on teachers. In January  the Education Research Alliance for New Orleans released a study showing  that charter schools spent 1,358 more per pupil on operating expenses than traditional schools during the 2013-14 school year. For example, parishwide school districts often employ a speech therapist to provide special education for some students. A staffer… Read More

Black History Month May Be Over but the Teaching of Black History Must Continue

By David McGuire Black History month has now wrapped up and in many schools, it will put back on the shelf until next year. That is a mistake. Black History can’t be confined to just 28 days in winter. I am not referring to the month of Black History because that is not the problem. The month is there for the celebration; however, that does not mean when the month is over… Read More