D.C. Council member David Catania’s plan for schools draws mixed reviews
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| Sarah L. Voisin/The Washington Post - D.C. Council member David A. Catania says the proposals, including more funding to teach poor students, aim to stabilize the D.C. school system. |
D.C. Council member David A. Catania’s ambitious plan to overhaul city schools drew mixed reactions at five recent hearings, with parents and activists praising the lawmaker’s urgency but voicing concern that some of his proposals may carry unintended consequences.
Advocates for the traditional school system offered some of the most pointed criticism, arguing that Catania’s legislation could accelerate the rise of charter schools and the withering of neighborhood schools.
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“I strongly urge you not to rush,” said longtime education activist Cathy Reilly, testifying Thursday during the last of the five hearings. “These bills represent as large a change as the shift to mayoral control. I don’t think your colleagues on the council or the citizens of the city understand what they will mean.”
Catania (I-At Large), chairman of the education committee, said he understands advocates’ concerns but believes that the city’s school system, which has attracted a declining share of students in recent years, is headed for a “death spiral” unless it shows meaningful achievement gains that persuade parents not to flee.