The approach has been tried across the country - in Chicago, Baltimore, Hartford, Conn., Washington, and other cities. Reformers say the threat of a takeover has even forced other districts to shape up on their own. New Jersey broke new ground. BUT replacing top management doesn't erase other daunting troubles facing urban schools. New administrators work with the same teachers, for example, some of whom were hired through patronage.
Poor children arrive at the schoolhouse door with the same set of problems as before.
Principals say many parents don't read to their children, and some kindergartners arrive unable to count to 10 or identify primary colors. There have been some small improvements since the takeover, but most of that can be attributed to better funding. Nothing has changed. The man in charge of the state-run district, Superintendent Richard DiPatri, has focused his attention on performance of principals. He has replaced one and withheld raises for others.