Katrina's Silver Lining: The School Choice Revolution in New Orleans

Before hurricane Katrina ravaged the city in 2005, New Orleans had one of the worst performing public school districts in the nation. Katrina forced nearly a million people to leave their homes and caused almost $100 billion in damages. To an already failing public school system, the storm seemed to provide the final deathblow. But then something amazing happened. In the wake of Katrina, education reformers decided to seize the opportunity and start fresh with a system based on choice.

Today, New Orleans has the most market-based school system in the US. Sixty percent of New Orleans students currently attend charter schools, test scores are up, and talented and passionate educators from around the country are flocking to New Orleans to be a part of the education revolution. It's too early to tell if the New Orleans experiment in school choice will succeed over the long term, but for the first time in decades people are optimistic about the future of New Orleans schools.

Approximately 10 minutes. Produced by Paul Feine; hosted by Nick Gillespie; shot by Alex Manning and Dan Hayes; edited by Alex Manning.

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[TotalAnomy]

jesus christ, it's like the one fighting chance they have is in the event of an apocalyptic catastrophe in which parasites such as those from the school unions spend one goddamn minute without sucking the life out of their fellow human beings.

[elricmlbone]

Yeah, wait until the teacher mafia (union) starts throwing their weight around and the politicians cave and back to mediocracy.

[raechelle1985]

Anyone else notice all the kids are black and all their teachers are white?  No one sees that as being a little bit off?

[lovelplants]

oh nice.

[Africanus1]

It is a great move and if said corporation fails to educate, they will be fired and replaced by the parent of the child. It is in the corporations interest that the student learn, because other corporations will take their business. The competition forces them to perform or they will go out of business. I presume you prefer the old failing system, the little girl mentioned there weren't any killings. I would say that makes the sad day you mentioned a whole lot better!

[mixmastermeeks]

I have come up with a new mental disorder. It is called corporataphobia. The irrational fear of corporations. And why is it that people with this disorder (I am asking you because I have diagnosed you) always think that corporations are polluting our water. Like that is the ultimate goal of anyone who runs a corporation.

[vangoghmatisse1]

I BELIEVE THE CHARTER SCHOOL IS THE BEST WAY TO MOVE AHEAD. THIS FORUM GIVES THE STUDENT THE ATTENTION THAT IS NEEDED.

[stignatiusmusic]

yeah, great move now the corporations take over educating your child. Great idea since the corporations have done so much good for us! haha let's see polluted our waters. corrupted government. you guys r too funny. what a sad day in new orleans.

[radovichhillary]

great video .. so true !

[cps41523360]

Now if only they could do this on the CPS

[dugdaspit]

with a few exceptions, virtually all public schools in NOLA require uniforms. That was the case before Katrina and Charter schools. Ironically, the only public schools that I can think of that don't require uniforms are the highest performing ones in the city (and they are Charter schools).