Dive Brief:
- A new and unprecedented "Measuring Up" survey by the University of Washington's Center on Reinventing Public Education looked at 50 urban schools, finding that districts in some parts of the U.S. are making headway, and that underserved communities are finding rigorous learning more accessible.
- District Administration reports that "…in 20 of the 50 cities, black students take the ACT/SAT at the same or better rates than do white students," and that two cities that showed marked improvement are Memphis and New Orleans.
- Some recommendations include replacing worst-performing schools, increasing access to AP classes for all students, and dissolving "overly aggressive" disciplinary procedures.
Dive Insight:
Measuring Up failed to identify the common factors between the successful urban districts. It points to cities like New Orleans, where a reported 90% of students attend charters, as a success story. The report recommends that districts identify what weaknesses exist and then look to outside districts with similar challenges for solutions. Another step suggested by the report is deepening collaboration.
"Coordinated support from teacher preparation programs and social and health services are often critical for turning around failing schools," District Administration reports. Overall, districts have to come up with their own unique strategies for aiding their worst schools. There is no one-size-fits-all solution.