Forget the media hype about the transformation of the schools of New Orleans. As Mercedes Schneider writes in this definitive report, the stories are propaganda and, well, lies.
The best scharter schools in the new New Orleans are mainly white. The lowest performing charters are overwhelmingly black. Forty percent of the city’s charters are rated D or F. Most of their students are black.
This is an important read.
Diane Ravitch's blog 
Schneider should share her report with Edwards, the Democratic governor of Louisiana. Perhaps she should also contact the League of Women Voters as they generally support public schools and integration. I know the Florida chapter has stood up to the political machine in the state, but I don’t know about Louisiana’s chapter. She should also share her research with the SPLC. They have have some legal insights into the marginalization of community input. This report is too important to sit on a shelf. It needs to be shared with activists.
It will be interesting to see the response to this report from the champions of all things glorious that happened in New Orleans, especially the 74 Million.
I cannot think of anyone who can speak with more authority on the disasters in that city than Mercedes Schneider. I do not know the cost of press release services, but this report should get as much PR as the Gates-funded fiasco has received.
YES.
The disconnect between charter cheerleader rhetoric and reality is stunning. It’s amazing how indifferent these people have become to the chaos they imposed on the poor children of NOLA. If there was justice these scammers would be required to return every penny with interest to the NOLA school system.
From your mouth to God’s ears.
There’s an editorial in today’s NYT about a study done (Tulane University) on the New Orleans charters schools, and the editorial was a glowing report. Any thoughts?