In the closing days of the Texas legislative session, an effort to create a so-called “recovery school district” or “achievement district” failed to pass. However, its sponsors tucked it into another bill, and its ultimate fate is uncertain. The article notes that the bill has the support of some of the state’s wealthiest lobbyists, including former Enron trader John Arnold, a staunch supporter of market-based school “reform.”
As always, it is important to read between the lines. The new district, under state control, would take control of low-performing schools, hand them over to private charter operators, and been free to hire uncertified teachers and create its own disciplinary rules. Proponents point to similar state-controlled districts in Louisiana and Tennessee, but neither has achieved notable improvements. The Recovery School District in Louisiana has been much hyped but has failed to deliver results; the Achievement District in Tennessee is relatively new, and as yet has no track record, certainly no notable success worthy of emulation.
The most certain result of these districts is to transfer control to private, unaccountable charter operators who have the power to kick out students they don’t want and who count on low-wage inexperienced teachers. To call this “educational reform” is a bad joke.
What these schools need is smaller classes, highly experienced staff, and the excellent wraparound services that support children and families.
Let’s hope that good sense prevails and Texas passes up the chance to privatize the schools whose students have the highest needs, it was the right decision.
Diane Ravitch's blog 