Widely hailed in its early days, the New Orleans system became a model for districts throughout the Deep South. Read an update of education policies in Louisiana. Boosters and detractors alike point out that there are elements of success in every school across the majority-black district. But the system overall is a disturbing mix, an educational gumbo. Too many schools are in terrible physical condition, suffer from a lack of security or parental involvement, and do without such essentials as science lab equipment.
Some teachers find themselves rationing both textbooks and toilet paper.
In a state where local control is prized, the Louisiana government has historically kept its involvement in schools at arm's length. But with the 1996 swearing-in of a new governor and the appointment by the state school board of a new state superintendent the same year, education has received much more attention and money than in the recent past. Education had what some are calling a banner year in last year's legislative session. But, as everyone agrees, the city still has a great distance to go. Read more about the challenges states face in setting policies for urban education.