The Latest New Orleans Miracle
Anytime there is a press release from the Louisiana Department of Education, I know I have some work to do.
Two years ago it was how the RSD had the highest percent growth even though that statistic is exaggerated for districts with low baseline scores. One year ago it was the ‘growth’ of their ACT scores, which was flawed for similar reasons. A few months ago it was the increased AP participation despite awful pass rates.
Today they announced the latest district and school ratings and, guess what? — the miracles keep on happening. Some highlights from the press release on their website
:
:- the percentage of students attending a failing public school is less than 6 percent, down from 65 percent in 2008.
- Only 9 of the 88 public schools in New Orleans are failing
- For 2013, the RSD New Orleans DPS was 71.9, earning the district a C letter grade for the first time.
Louisiana changed their method of calculation their scores this year to make them ‘simpler.’ Under the new system, out of 100 points, under 50 is considered ‘failing’ while under the old system, out of 150 points under 75 was considered ‘failing.’ How the scores are calculated has also changed so it is difficult to tell if the plummeting number of ‘failing’ schools is genuine or one of lowering the standards. John White, in what may be a Freudian slip, is quoted on his ownLouisiana Department of Education website as saying “Changes made to the formula have led to real increases in student achievement.” But changes to a formula can’t lead to ‘real’ increases
as saying “Changes made to the formula have led to real increases in student achievement.” But changes to a formula can’t lead to ‘real’ increases 
