Bruce Baker added these thoughts to his earlier post about charter schools in Newark:
“So then, imagine if you will, an entire district of North Stars? Or an entire district of those who strive to achieve the same public accolades of North Star? That would sure work well from a public policy standpoint. They’d be in constant bitter battle over who could get by with the fewest of the lowest income kids. Anyone who couldn’t “cut it” in 5th or 6th grade, along with each and every child with a disability other than speech impairment would dumped out on the streets of Newark. Even after the rather significant front end sorting, we’d be looking at 45% citywide graduation rates – actually – likely much lower than that because some of the aspiring North Star’s would have to take students even less likely to complete under their preferred model.
Yes, there would probably eventually be some “market segmentation” – special schools for the kids brushed off to begin with – and special schools for those shed later on. But, under current accountability policies, those “special schools” would be closed and reconstituted every few years or so since they won’t be able to post the requisite gains. Sounds like one hell of a “system of great schools,” doesn’t it.
To the extent we avoid changing the incentive structure & accountability system, the tendency to act parasitic rather than in a more beneficial relationship will dominate. The current system is driven by the need to post good numbers – good “reported” numbers. NJ has created a reporting system that allows North Star to post a 100% grad rate and .3% dropout rate despite completing less than 50% of their 5th graders.
What do they get for this? Broad awards, accolades from NJDOE… the opportunity to run their own graduate school to train teachers in their stellar methods… (&, as I understand it, consulting contracts to train teachers from other districts in their methods).
A major problem here is that the incentive structure, the accountability measures, and system as it stands favor taking the parasitic path to results.
That said, in my view, it takes morally compromised leadership to rationalize taking this to the extent that North Star has. TEAM, for example, exists under the very same accountability structures. And while TEAM does its own share of skimming and shedding, it’s no North Star.
Diane Ravitch's blog 
Another case of charter schools and their corporate reformers practicing eugenics.
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Many thanks to Diane and to Bruce Baker. I read the data sheets and charts in the links. I see how the actual dropout rate for North Star is 45%. What I have trouble finding is the data-reporting system of NJDOE that enables North Star to claim a dropout rate of only .3%. If someone could point me to the NJDOE rule on this, I’d be very grateful….irashor123@gmail.com My local district now has a new aggressive broadie supt. and the Uncommon Schls/North Star prestige have undeserved stature here.
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“(&, as I understand it, consulting contracts to train teachers from other districts in their methods).”
HB 5 specifically says it is ‘public school’ teachers and “school leaders” (ie principals) who will be trained in the successful methods of high-quality charters. Probably at a ‘Teacher Academy’ (ie College of Education), no less. I see the future and it is making me ill. It’s like ‘company schools’ instead of ‘company stores’….Worse than financial bondage, our minds will never be free.
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