Reading, Writing and Reality Check: an Early Assessment of Student Achievement in Post-Katrina New Orleans
The United Teachers of New Orleans (UTNO), Louisiana Federation of Teachers (LFT), and American Federation of Teachers (AFT)
October 2007

Abstract:


This report evaluates the results Louisiana Educational Assessment Program (LEAP) scores for students in New Orleans between 2005 and 2007. Evaluation of the scores indicated that performance generally worsened after Hurricane Katrina and the takeover of the majority of New Orleans schools by the state. Data indicated that performance varied between charter schools, Recovery School District (RSD) schools and Orleans Parish School Board (OPSB) schools, but that math and English scores declined throughout the city. LEAP scores were highest at OPSB-run schools, and the most successful charter schools were found to have the highest percentage of veteran New Orleans teachers. UTNO recommended that schools that serve vulnerable students and special-needs students be monitored closely, that different categories of schools not be compared to one another, and that state and local policymakers recognize the factors that affect student achievement, including teacher quality and parental involvement.