In 2005, Hurricane Katrina swept through Louisiana and as a result eliminated the traditional public education system. Replaced with charter schools, New Orleans became the first US city to adopt a school system based on the principles of markets and economics. Sixteen years later, the results of this “experiment” show that the reforms significantly improved a wide range of student outcomes for nearly all demographics. Similar to New Orleans, the state of Rhode Island assumed control of the Providence Public School District (PPSD) in an effort to improve the quality of education for all students. Over the past two years, the state of Rhode Island has worked along with district educators and community members to drive this change forward.
Join Professor Douglas Harris of Tulane University and Keith Oliveira, Executive Director of the R.I. League of Charter Schools in conversation with Susanna Loeb, Director of the Annenberg Institute as they talk about reforms from New Orleans and discuss what worked, what didn’t, and what lessons Providence could benefit from.
Moderator: Susanna Loeb, Director of Annenberg Institute