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Home , Cedric Glover, Chris Broadwater, David Heitmeier, Dorothy Sue Hill, Elbert Guillory, Harold Ritchie

A 2015 PUBLICATION OF THE ASSOCIATION OF PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOLS (504) 274-3651 | www.lacharterschools.org

Celebrating 20 Years Education of Charter Schools Reform page 3 Celebrating Timeline page 10 Opening One of LA's First Legislator Charters Voting Records page 4 page 13

Directory of Mythbusters Charter Schools 20 years page 14 page 6 2

Don’t Give Up on Education Reform A Message from Caroline Roemer Shirley M. J. “Mike” Foster, Jr. of Louisiana Caroline Roemer Shirley 1996-2004 LAPCS Executive Director [email protected] It is difficult to believe we As I travel across Louisiana, I’m proud that this state’s passion for great public are already celebrating education is building! Some of that passion comes from business and civic the 20th Anniversary of groups like our Chambers of Commerce, the Louisiana Association of Business charter cchools in Loui- and Industry, and the Council for A Better Louisiana. They have stood with us siana. The bill that es- on important legislative reforms. tablished charter schools Sometimes the arguments were heated. Inside this issue, you will see the was authored by my good friend, the late Cecil Picard. results of this hard work and how what was once controversial is now the norm. cHe and I were on the same page when it came to the We have embraced change. importance of improving education in Louisiana. It was a mission of sacrifice and hard work. To reinforce Leaders like Representative Stephen Carter, for example, for years took on the issue of school board my commitment, I refused to take a governor’s salary reform, because parents and school leaders were complaining that elected boards were micromanaging until teachers were paid a salary equal to the southern school districts, even to the point of interfering with hiring and firing decisions. School Boards are regional average. supposed to be visionaries, directing where a school district should be in five or 10 years. Rep. Carter took on this issue, building a consensus for action until he was successful in passing legislation that is today Charter schools have played an important role in our known as Act 1. state’s educational system. I know many parents who have selected the charter school option and they have, We have to do whatever is necessary to ensure that every youngster in this state has the opportunity to get on many occasions, voiced to me their appreciation for a good education. I’ve very proud of our state’s charter law for that very reason. The strength of our law, that opportunity. the fact we have a healthy road to charter authorization, has helped our state attract good schools and good teachers. When I travel around the country, educators are excited to hear that I’m from Louisiana because Employers across our state are complaining that they we have made so many bold changes. We’re on the move and it is good to set high goals and give educators cannot find home-grown talent for the technological the tools to meet them. jobs available in the energy and the health industries because our graduates do not have the right skills. I’m glad to be a part of this movement. If you haven’t already, come on and join us! That does not mean our students cannot learn. It is an indication that our schools are not doing the job quite right. That is why, when we were trying to lay out a strategy for public education in Louisiana, we focused on accountability - holding the adults responsible for their students’ test outcomes. In order to succeed, we must stress accountability, teacher evaluations, paren- tal choice in school options and curriculums that raise the bar. I encourage the people of Louisiana not to give up. Things are changing in education. It’s an uphill battle and we have a steep hill to climb to get to “average.” But it is possible. Possible because we have chosen to do things differently. We have nothing more important in which to invest... than our children. Mike Foster was elected as the 53rd Governor of Loui- siana in 1995 and made improving public education one of the focal points of his two terms. The state’s first charter schools opened in his first year as Governor.

From left to right: LAPCS Executive Director Caroline Roemer Shirley, Crescent City Schools CEO Kate Mehok, Crescent City Schools Board Chair Jean-Paul Hymel, LAPCS Governance Initiatives Director Makiyah Moody, and 4th Sector Solutions CEO Joe Keeney. Crescent City Schools was the 2014 LAPCS Excellence in Governance Award winner. 3

Louisiana Celebrates 20 Years of Charter Schools This year, Louisiana’s Charter School Law turns 20

The law, considered one of the top two in the nation for promoting char- school transferred to the jurisdiction of In 2009, the Louisiana Legislature ter school authorization and funding by the National Alliance for Public the RSD. Capdau charter in Orleans be- voted to remove the cap on how many Charter Schools, was originally enacted in 1995 (Act 192) as a pilot came the first RSD school in 2004. charter schools can operate in the state. There were five charters in the Orleans The legislation was introduced to help the program allowing up to eight school districts to volunteer to participate. state in its bid for “Race to the Top” fed- These districts could either grant charters to eligible groups or apply to RSD in August 2005. Then and the aftermath of the levee eral stimulus dollars, as well as recognize the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) to op- failures decimated Orleans Parish. the growing number of charters now oper- ating in Orleans Parish. erate a charter school themselves. The law also required 75 percent of In November of 2005, the Louisiana charter school teachers to be state certified and 85 percent of students Legislature passed Act 35. Act 35 In 2010, The Red Tape Reduction and Local Empowerment Act that was to be eligible for free or reduced lunch programs. changed the definition of a failing public school and the terms under which the state signed into law by Governor Bobby could assume control of a school. The def- Jindal in July had the intent to make inition of failing became “below the state traditional public schools more like In 1996, three charter schools opened in and included special provisions for the average.” In the 2004-05 school year, the charters. Among other things, the law Louisiana, all serving students with aca- creation and operation of Type 5 charter state average School Performance Score allows local school districts to seek a demic and/or behavioral problems. Inter- schools. (SPS) was 87.4. Using the new criteria, four-year waiver of state laws and BESE ested applicants complained about the the RSD took over 102 of the 118 public policies, with some exceptions. Academi- Until 2003, Louisiana had four types cally unacceptable schools covered by difficulty of gaining charter school autho- of charter schools, with the categories schools in , converting the rization from local school boards. majority of takeovers to charter schools, the waiver are required to make certain dependent on which entity authorized changes, based on best practices, de- The law was thus substantially revised the charter for the school to operate and shifting management to a system of schools. This followed announcements signed to improve school performance. in 1997 (Act 477) to allow all school dis- whether the charter was a new school or During the waiver period, they will not be tricts to participate, and the number of one converted to a charter. by the Orleans School Board that it was unable to open public schools during the subject to state takeover and placement in charter schools statewide was capped at In 2003 a new type of charter (Type 5) the Recovery School District. 42. The 1997 act also allowed an “appeals- 2005-2006 school year. was created to identify a pre-existing continued on page 15 type” procedure under which an eligible group could submit its charter proposal directly to BESE if a local school board failed to approve it or if the local school board placed conditions on the approval There are five different types of charter schools in Louisiana of the charter which were unacceptable to the group. By 1999, the number of charter schools in Louisiana grew to 13. The first char- ter school approved in Orleans Parish, the New Orleans Charter Middle School, had 900 families applying for 117 spots. In 2003, a constitutional amendment (Act 1293) and four bills (Act 9, Act 260, Act 381 and Act 944) impacted the op- eration of charter schools. The constitutional amendment autho- rized the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to take over failing public schools or provide for others to do so; it also authorized BESE to receive, control and spend the state and local per pupil share of the Minimum Foundation Program (MFP) for those schools. Thus, the Recovery School District was estab- lished and a “failing school” was defined as a school with a School Performance Score below 60. Companion legislation (Act 9) spelled out the procedure BESE is to follow to imple- ment the provisions of the constitutional amendment; created a new “Type 5” cat- egory of charter schools as one option BESE has for providing for the operation of a failing public school it takes over; 4

What It Was Like to Open One of Louisiana’s First Charters

the transition has been difficult for us as a community, the academic progress of the Jay Altman open admissions schools over the past 10 years has been beyond what any of us would CEO, FirstLine Schools have predicted back then. Now, the gap between New Orleans students scoring proficiency and above on state ex- ams has narrowed to less than 6 percent, and the number of students in failing schools Seventeen years ago, I had the privilege of being part has dropped to approximately 10 percent. of the team at James Lewis Extension School when it We’ll never know how much more success teachers and school leaders would have converted to charter status to become the first charter been able to achieve in the years prior to the 2005 levee breaks if they had been able to school in the city with the new name of New Orleans work in a different system, one that protected their autonomy and promoted the evolu- Charter Middle School. tion of practice by expecting results. Admission was by lottery, with a wire bingo ping-pong Now we have this opportunity. ball cage that you turned by hand. It is tempting to imagine a future where New Orleans students of all backgrounds per- Back then New Orleans, like nearly every large city in America, had three school sys- form far above the state average, and where every child in New Orleans goes to a great tems – private, selective public school programs, and open admissions public schools. school. We have a long way to go, but we have made significant progress, and we are The first two categories – private and selective public – were strong schools, with stu- heading in the right direction. dents performing well above the state average on state tests, with high college atten- FirstLine Schools has five authorized open admissions charter schools operating in dance rates and high graduation rates. Orleans Parish. Their website is firstlineschools.org. “The open admissions schools, while filled with many dedicated teachers and school leaders, were not able to adapt to meet the needs of the students and families being served, most of whom were economically disadvantaged. ” SAVE

The open admissions schools, while filled with many dedicated teachers and school leaders, were not able to adapt to meet the needs of the students and families being THE served, most of whom were economically disadvantaged. DATE There were a handful of strong open admissions schools, led by exceptional leaders with classes taught by exceptional teachers, but overall the academic performance and graduation rates were extremely low when compared with the rest of the state. In fact, in 2000, New Orleans students performed 26 points below the rest of the state in the percentage of students scoring proficiency or better on state tests. Outside observers and many within the system blamed the students and their fami- lies for their challenging needs; others blamed teachers, principals, and school board members. This is not to say that families and students should not take personal respon- sibility for themselves, but the unmet challenge was to create a system that effectively partnered with families to help students achieve personal and academic success. 8TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE The public school system was not able to evolve to meet that need. By its very structure, the public school system did not give educators the autonomy TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13 and support needed to make the necessary adaptations to create great schools. It also did not hold schools accountable for results. As a result, there were few quality school CROWNE PLAZA BATON ROUGE options for parents, with more than 60 percent of the schools labeled as failing by the state. This lack of quality options for parents was why we had created James Lewis Exten- sion in the first place, when it was organized in 1992 with a group of parents from the New Orleans Summerbridge program (now Breakthrough) and why the school’s leader, Dr. Tony Recasner, decided to convert James Lewis Extension to a charter school when that opportunity became available. The school’s leadership team sought to have the autonomy to make the school even more successful. Thus, James Lewis’s cafeteria became packed every year on lottery night, because $150 LAPCS MEMBER EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION there were not enough options for parents in Orleans. $175 NON-MEMBER EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION We still have a long way to go to create high quality options for all students, and while SAVE THE SAVE DATE www.lapcsconference.org 5

Source: Louisiana Department of Education Annual Report, 2014-2015 6 A Directory of Louisiana Charter Schools

Chartering Grade Students 2014 School TYPE Charter School School Address City Parish Phone Authority Level Served Performance Score LPSB Bayou Community Academy K-5th 800 East Seventh Street Thibodaux Lafourche 985-446-3011 431 121

OPSB Bricolage Academy K 4238 St Charles Ave New Orleans Orleans 504-784-0248 150 did not receive a score

EBRPSB Career Academy 9th-11th 4375 East Brookstown Drive Baton Rouge East Baton Rouge 225-388-5252 307 13.4

EBRPSB Community School for Apprenticeship Learning PK-5th 1143 North Street Baton Rouge East Baton Rouge 225-387-9273 268 44.7

EBRPSB Community School for Apprenticeship Learning 6th-8th 1555 Madison Avenue Baton Rouge East Baton Rouge 225-336-1410 227 81.5

OPSB Einstein Charter School PK-8th 5100 Cannes Street New Orleans Orleans 504-609-2279 996 91.9

OPSB ENCORE Academy PK-6th 2301 Marengo St New Orleans Orleans 585-455-7987 430 73

MCSB Excellence Academy 6-8 811 St Monroe Ouachita 318-801-0143 238 62

OPSB Homer A. Plessy Community School PK-2 3820 St. Claude St. New Orleans Orleans 504-232-7981 182 did not receive a score

EBRPSB Inspire Charter Academy K-8th 5454 North Foster Drive Baton Rouge East Baton Rouge 866-642-3676 684 57.3 1 JPSB International School of Louisiana - Jefferson K-8th 822 Clearview Pkwy Elmwood Jefferson 504-934-4875 427 83.4

EBRPSB J. K. Haynes Elementary Charter School PK-5th 8600 Elm Grove Garden Baton Rouge East Baton Rouge 225-774-1311 486 865

JPSB Jefferson Chamber Foundation Academy 9th-12th 475 Manhattan Blvd. Harvey Jefferson 504-410-3121 137 40

JPSB Kenner Health Discovery PK-3 & 5-6 2504 Maine Ave. Kenner Jefferson 504-233-4720 583 95.5

CPSB Magnolia School of Excellence K-6 2290 Clyde Fant Parkway Service Road Shreveport Caddo 225-773-4618 752 58.2

EBRPSB Mentorship Academy of Digital Arts 9th-11th 339 Florida Street Baton Rouge East Baton Rouge 225-346-5180 227 50.2

EBRPSB Mentorship Academy of Science and Technology 9th-11th 339 Florida Street Baton Rouge East Baton Rouge 225-346-5180 262 44.8

CPSB Pathways in Education - Shreveport 9th-12th 8999 Mansfield Rd. Shreveport Caddo 312-560-8701 115 Opened in fall 2014

EFPSB Slaughter Community Charter School 7th-9th 2944 Hwy 412 W. P.O. Box 364 Slaughter East Faliciana 225-654-4527 459 83

EBRPSB South Baton Rouge Charter Academy K-6 9211 Parkway Dr. Baton Rouge East Baton Rouge 225-349-7489 489 Opened in fall 2014

EBRPSB THRIVE 6th-7th 1120 Government St Baton Rouge East Baton Rouge 225-239-7820 80 87.5

LPSB Virtual Academy of Lafourche K-12th 142 Laura Drive Suite E Thibodaux Lafouche 985-446-2877 454 75.4

JPSB Young Audiences Charter School K-3 1407 Virgil St Gretna Jefferson 504-523-3525 509 57.1

BESE Acadiana Renaissance Charter Academy K-6 600 Savoy Road Lafayette Lafayette 504-919-1040 675 Opened in fall 2014

BESE Advantage Charter Academy K-5 14740 Plank Road Baton Rouge East Baton Rouge 616-464-3648 360 Opened in fall 2014

BESE Avoyelles Public Charter School K-12th 201 Longfellow Road Mansura Avoyelles 318-240-8285 721 126.9

BESE Baton Rouge Charter Academy at Mid-City K-8th 1771 N. Lobdell Blvd., Suite 311 Baton Rouge East Baton Rouge 225-928-4683 621 36.2

BESE Belle Chasse Academy K-8th 100 Fifth Street Belle Chasse Plaquemines 504-433-5850 933 114.9

BESE D'Arbonne Woods Charter School K-9th 1002 Sterlington Highway Farmerville Union 318-368-8051 806 93.5

BESE Delhi Charter School K-12th 6940 Hwy 17 Delhi Richland 318-878-0433 832 92.8

BESE Delta Charter School K-10th 300 Lynwood Dr. Concordia Concordia 318-789-1511 382 80.1

BESE Glencoe Charter School K-8th 4491 LA Highway 83 Franklin St. Mary 337-923-6900 377 110.9

BESE Iberville Charter Academy K-6th 24360 Enterprise Boulevard Iberville Iberville 504-919-1040 274 Opened in fall 2014

BESE Impact Charter K-3 4815 Lavey Lane Baton Rouge East Baton Rouge 225-308-9565 149 Opened in fall 2014

BESE International High School of New Orleans 9th-12th 727 Carondelet Street New Orleans Orleans 504-613-5703 546 83.6 2 BESE International School of Louisiana K-8th 1400 Camp Street New Orleans Orleans 504-654-1088 908 114.1

BESE Jefferson Chamber Foundation Academy - East 8th-12th 3330 N. Causeway Blvd Jefferson Jefferson 504.410.3121 x103 105 50.6

BESE JS Clark Leadership Academy 5th-7th 1517 Statesman Rd Opelousas St. Landry 337-212-3549 220 68

BESE Lafayette Renaissance Charter Academy K-6th 205 Vienne Lane Lafayette Lafeyette 504-919-1040 534 Opened in fall 2014

BESE Lake Charles Charter Academy K-7th 2750 Power Center Parkway Lake Charles Calcasieu 337-475-7900 860 81.8

BESE Lake Charles College Prep 9th 3160 Power Center Parkway Lake Charles Calcasieu 504-919-1040 103 Opened in fall 2014

BESE Louisiana Connections Academy K-12th 8281 Goodwood Blvd Baton Rouge East Baton Rouge 225-372-8389 1723 74.3

BESE Louisiana Key Academy K-3rd 3172 Government St. Baton Rouge East Baton Rouge 225-802-9941 181 did not receive a score

BESE Louisiana Virtual Charter Academy K-12th 4962 Florida Blvd. Baton Rouge East Baton Rouge 504-322-7543 1900 75

BESE Lycee Francais de la Nouvelle Orleans K-4th 5951 Patton Street New Orleans Calcasieu 504-861-1601 467 91.5

BESE Madison Preparatory Academy 9th-12th 1555 Madison Avenue Baton Rouge East Baton Rouge 225-336-1410 346 73.9 A Directory of Louisiana Charter Schools 7

Chartering Grade Students 2014 School TYPE Charter School School Address City Parish Phone Authority Level Served Performance Score BESE Milestone Academy K-9th 2021 Jefferson Hwy Jefferson Jefferson 504-894-0557 428 67.3

BESE New Orleans Military/Maritime Academy 9th-12th 425 O’Bannon Street New Orleans Orleans 504-227-3810 540 83

BESE New Vision Learning Academy K-6th 507 Swayze Street Monroe Ouachita 318-338-9995 383 80.1

BESE Northeast Claiborne Charter K-12th 786 John Kelly Road Summerfield Union 870-924-4577 144 Opened in fall 2014

BESE Northshore Charter School K-2nd, 9th 111 Walker St. Bogalusa Washington 225-288-6797 407 did not receive a score

2 BESE Southwest Louisiana Charter Academy K-8th 1700 East McNeese St. Lake Charles Calcasieu 337-475-7910 864 79.3 BESE Tallulah Charter School PK-5th 1206 N. Cedar St Tallulah Madison 318-574-1587 364 38.8

BESE The MAX Charter School 1st-8th 100 Afton Drive Thibodaux Lafouche 985-227-9500 110 52.8

BESE Vision Academy 9th-12th 1411 Sherrouse Monroe Ouachita 318-381-6781 200 Opened in fall 2014 1818 Northeast Evangeline BESE Willow Charter Academy K-5th Lafayette Lafayette 616-464-3648 483 Opened in fall 2014 Throughway OPSB Alice M. Harte Elementary School K-8th 5300 Berkley Drive New Orleans Orleans 504-373-6281 750 106.6

OPSB Audubon Charter School PK-8th 719 S. Carrollton Ave. New Orleans Orleans 504-324-7110 802 118.4

MPSB Beekman Charter School PK-6th 15190 A M Baker Road Bastrop Morehouse 318-283-5100 775 69.1

OPSB Benjamin Franklin High School 9th-12th 2001 Leon C Simon Dr. New Orleans Orleans 504-286-2600 894 140.1

UPSB Downsville Charter School K-12th 4787 Hwy 151 Downsville Union 318-982-5318 367 82.8

OPSB 9th-12th 3332 Huntlee Drive New Orleans Orleans 504-398-7115 1080 96.7

OPSB Edward Hynes Charter School PK-8th 990 Harrison Ave New Orleans Orleans 504-324-7160 684 108.6

3 OPSB Lake Forest Elementary Charter School K-8th 12000 Hayne Blvd. New Orleans Orleans 504-826-7140 546 124.6

OPSB Lusher Charter School K-5th 7315 Willow St. New Orleans Orleans 504-862-5110

OPSB Lusher Charter School 6th - 12th 5624 Freret St New Orleans Orleans 504-304-3960 1691 131.5

OPSB New Orleans Science & Math High School 9th-12th 5625 Loyola Avenue New Orleans Orleans 504-324-7061 415 94.3

OPSB Robert Russa Moton Charter School PK-7th 3774 Gentilly Blvd. New Orleans Orleans 504-245-4400 398 86.7

5 OPSB Warren Easton Senior High Charter School 9th- 12th 3019 Canal Street New Orleans Orleans 504-324-7400 990 96.2

JPSB Celerity Woodmere Charter School PK-5th 3191 Alex Kornman New Orleans Jefferson 504-348-2410 372 Opened in fall 2014

BESE/ Louisiana High School for Agricultural Sciences 7th-12th 5303 Highway 115 Bunkie Avoyelles 318-346-8029 356 73.5 4 APSB

BESE/RSD Akili Academy of New Orleans K-6th 3811 N. Galvez New Orleans Orleans 504-355-4172 487 80

BESE/RSD Algiers Technology Academy 9th-12th 6501 Berkley Drive New Orleans Orleans 504-302-7076 299 51.7

BESE/RSD Andrew H. Wilson Charter School K-8th 3617 General Pershing St. New Orleans Orleans 504-822-4117 628 49.1

BESE/RSD ARISE Academy PK-6th 3819 St. Claude Avenue New Orleans Orleans 504-615-6354 425 58.3

BESE/RSD Arthur Ashe Charter School K-8th 1456 Gardena Drive New Orleans Orleans 504-373-6267 694 81.2

BESE Baton Rouge University Preparatory Elementary K 4055 Prescott Road Baton Rouge East Baton Rouge 225-400-2174 88 Opened in fall 2014

BESE Capitol High School 9th-12th 1000 N. 23rd St. Baton Rouge East Baton Rouge 225-362-1534 365 Opened in fall 2014

BESE Celerity Crestworth Charter School K-2nd, 6-8th 10650 Avenue F Baton Rouge East Baton Rouge 323-493-4315 324 Opened in fall 2014

BESE Celerity Dalton PK-5th 3605 Ontario Street Baton Rouge East Baton Rouge 225-357-0244 425 Opened in fall 2014

5 BESE Celerity Lanier Charter School K-5th 4705 Lanier Dr. Baton Rouge East Baton Rouge 323-493-4315 434 Opened in fall 2014

BESE/RSD Cohen College Prep 6th-12th 3520 Dryades Street New Orleans Orleans 504-522-0100 464 72.9

BESE/RSD Crescent Leadership Academy 7th-12th 2701 Lawrence St. New Orleans Orleans 504-940-2701 162 14.4

BESE/RSD Crocker College Prep PK-5th 2300 General Taylor St. New Orleans Orleans 504-304-4470 426 66.1

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Charter School for Science and BESE/RSD PK-12th 1617 Caffin Ave. New Orleans Orleans 504-940-2243 801 85.5 Technology

BESE/RSD Dwight D. Eisenhower Elementary School PK-8th 3700 Tall Pine Dr. New Orleans Orleans 504-398-7125 795 67.7

BESE/RSD Edgar P. Harney Spirit of Excellence Academy K-8th 2503 Willow Street New Orleans Orleans 504-373-6230 387 75.9

BESE/RSD Esperanza Charter School K-8th 4407 South Carrollton Ave. New Orleans Orleans 504-373-6272 453 85.6

BESE/RSD Fannie C. Williams Charter School PK-8th 11755 Dwyer Road New Orleans Orleans 504-373-6228 597 64.8

* insufficient number of testers to legally report data Source: Louisiana Department of Education Annual Report, December 2013 8 A Directory of Louisiana Charter Schools

Chartering Students 2013 School TYPE Charter School Grade Level School Address City Parish Phone Authority Served Performance Score

BESE/RSD G.W. Carver Collegiate Academy 9th-11th 5552 Read Blvd. New Orleans Orleans 504-256-9561 305 70.6

BESE/RSD G.W. Carver Preparatory Academy 9th-11th 5553 Read Blvd. New Orleans Orleans 504-256-9561 287 80.6

BESE/RSD Gentilly Terrace Elementary School PK-8th 4720 Painters Street New Orleans Orleans 504-708-2053 485 67.3

BESE/RSD Harriet Tubman Charter School K-8th 2013 General Meyer Avenue New Orleans Orleans 504-227-3800 543 63

BESE/RSD James M. Singleton Charter School PK-8th 2220 Oretha C. Haley New Orleans Orleans 504-568-3466 514 80.3

BESE/RSD John Dibert Community School PK-8th 2300 Dumaine Street New Orleans Orleans 504-373-6205 627 82.1

BESE/RSD Joseph A. Craig Charter School PK-8th 1423 St. Phillip Street New Orleans Orleans 504-373-6298 428 39.8

BESE/RSD Joseph Clark High School 9th-12th 1301 N. Derbigny St. New Orleans Orleans 504-373-6202 427 45.4 East Baton BESE/RSD Kenilworth Science and Technology Charter School 6th-8th 7600 Boone Drive Baton Rouge 225-766-8111 564 65.7 Rouge BESE/RSD KIPP Believe College Prep and Primary School K-2nd, 5th-8th 1607 S. Carrolton Ave. New Orleans Orleans 504-304-8857 797 83.5

BESE/RSD KIPP Central City Academy 5th-8th 2524 Third St. New Orleans Orleans 504-373-6290 418 95.2

BESE/RSD KIPP Central City Primary K-4th 2625 Thalia St. New Orleans Orleans 504-373-6290 516 78 BESE KIPP East Community Primary K 4617 Mirabeau Avenue New Orleans Orleans 504-309-0397 94 Opened in fall 2014 BESE/RSD KIPP McDonogh #15 Primary School for the Creative Arts K-4th, 5th-8th 720 St. Phillip St. New Orleans Orleans 504-566-1706 918 85.7 BESE/RSD KIPP New Orleans Leadership Academy K-3rd, 5th-8th 2300 St. Claude Ave New Orleans Orleans 504-373-6256 834 49.9 BESE/RSD KIPP Renaissance High School 9th-12th 5316 Michoud Blvd New Orleans Orleans 504-373-6255 445 61 BESE/RSD Lafayette Academy PK-8th 2727 S. Carrollton Ave. New Orleans Orleans 504-861-8370 955 81.7 BESE/RSD Lagniappe Academies of New Orleans K-4th 1501 St. Louis Street New Orleans Orleans 504-355-0950 180 82.3 BESE/RSD Lake Area New Tech Early College High School 9th -12th 6026 Paris Ave. New Orleans Orleans 504-267-8811 698 64.5 BESE/RSD Langston Hughes Academy Charter School PK-8th 3519 Trafalgar St. New Orleans Orleans 504-373-6251 844 77.6 LB Landry - OP Walker College & Career BESE/RSD 9th-12th 1200 LB Landry Ave. New Orleans Orleans 504-302-7170 1316 89.7 Preparatory High School BESE/RSD Linwood Public Charter School 6th-8th 401 West 70th Street Shreveport Caddo 318-865-4800 533 50.9

5 BESE/RSD Martin Behrman Elementary School PK-8th 715 Opelousas Ave. New Orleans Orleans 504-302-9030 719 93.3 BESE/RSD Mary D. Coghill Accelerated Academy PK-8th 4617 Mirabeau Ave. New Orleans Orleans 504.373.6237 637 69.7 BESE/RSD McDonogh #28 City Park Academy K-8th 2733 Esplanade Ave. New Orleans Orleans 504-363-6285 448 66.4 BESE/RSD McDonogh #32 Elementary School PK-8th 800 de Armas Street New Orleans Orleans 504-302-7144 671 64.4 BESE/RSD McDonogh #42 Elementary Charter School PK-8th 3019 Higgins Blvd. New Orleans Orleans 504-942-3660 453 58.3 BESE/RSD Medard H. Nelson Elementary School PK-8th 3121 St. Bernard Ave. New Orleans Orleans 504-343-1311 519 67.3 BESE/RSD Mildred Osborne Elementary School K-6th 6701 Curran Blvd New Orleans Orleans 504-400-0614 423 52.9 BESE/RSD Miller McCoy Academy for Mathematics and Business 5th-12th 7301 Dwyer Road New Orleans Orleans 504-373-6215 365 49.7 BESE/RSD Morris Jeff Community School PK-5th 3368 Esplanade Ave. New Orleans Orleans 504-373-6258 522 83.5 BESE/RSD Paul Habans Elementary School PK-6th 3819 Herschel St. New Orleans Orleans 504-941-1810 472 42 BESE/RSD Pierre A. Capdau Learning Academy K-8th 4621 Canal St New Orleans Orleans 504-942-3634 405 89.9 BESE/RSD ReNEW Accelerated High School (1/City Park) 9th-12th 3649 Laurel St. New Orleans Orleans 504-267-3882 178 16.4 BESE/RSD ReNEW Accelerated High School (2/West Bank) 9th-12th 3649 Laurel St. New Orleans Orleans 504-267-3882 164 21.9 BESE/RSD ReNEW Cultural Arts Academy PK-8th 3128 Constance Street New Orleans Orleans 504-487-0737 686 55 BESE/RSD ReNEW Delores T. Aaron Elementary School PK-8th 10200 Curran Blvd New Orleans Orleans 504-717-6543 806 62.5 BESE/RSD ReNEW Schaumburg Elementary PK-8th 9501 Grant St New Orleans Orleans 504-367-3307 840 55.7 BESE/RSD ReNEW SciTech Academy PK-8th 820 Jackson Avenue New Orleans Orleans 504-487-0737 745 81.6 BESE/RSD S.J. Green Charter School K-8th 2319 Valence St. New Orleans Orleans 504-304-3532 522 74 BESE/RSD Sci Academy 9th-12th 5552 Read Blvd. New Orleans Orleans 504-241-0037 460 79.8 BESE/RSD Sophie B. Wright Learning Academy 6th-12th 1800 Monroe St. New Orleans Orleans 504-304-3915 399 73.9 BESE/RSD Success Preparatory Academy K-7th 2011 Bienville Street New Orleans Orleans 504-909-6275 506 74.7 BESE/RSD Sylvanie Williams College Prep K-5th 3127 M. L. King Blvd. New Orleans Orleans 504-522-0100 386 52.8 BESE/RSD The NET Charter School 9th-12th 1614 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd. New Orleans Orleans 504-228-4294 164 22.2 BESE/RSD William J. Fischer Elementary School PK-8th 1801 L.B. Landry Ave, New Orleans Orleans 504-302-7111 650 56.8 9

A Conversation with Former U.S. Senator

Mary Landrieu, who served in the U.S. ness and joy at every school level. Senate from 1997 – 2015, was consid- ered one of the strongest supporters of So it was a life-long passion? education reform and charter schools in Senator Landrieu: I think it’s really Congress. The following is a partial tran- important for us to push well resourced, script of her appearance on “Educating well led schools. I’ve seen the results. Louisiana” hosted by LAPCS Policy Di- rector Veronica Brooks. See the full epi- Right now in the State of Louisiana, but sode online at vimeo.com/lapcs. also nationally, what do you think the biggest issues facing the education sys- During your time in the Senate, you tem are? And what should we be doing were an incredible leader and advocate about them? for education. Why was education a priority for you? Senator Landrieu: Well, in Louisi- ana’s case, we have truly been a leader in Senator Landrieu: You know my pas- the school reform and transformational sion for education didn’t start when I got reform movement. We’ve done that by to the U.S. Senate. It came many years trying to better resource our schools and earlier, in fact as a teenager, and I became trying to implement appropriate account- interested in the differences between what ability. I observed as a young child between pa- I think too much emphasis is put on rochial education and public education in testing but I believe in accountability so New Orleans. I was a little bit concerned we are refining the measurements of ac- about the physical condition of some of countability. Louisiana had an account- the public buildings and then I tutored ability system before the federal gov- when I was a high school student and was ernment had an accountability system. I a little bit alarmed that I was tutoring kids think as much flexibility with account- that were my age and they didn’t even ability, not focused on process but results, know how to read. So that kind of sparked is what we really need to do. One size my initial interest as a kid. doesn’t fit all. Louisiana has really been Then as I grew older I realized how im- a great leader. about charter schools. They’ve got to be The leader of our state Democratic Party, portant education was for everyone. I’m Of course, Orleans Parish particularly the eldest of nine siblings. Our parents good! They’ve got to have the right team, State Senator for has been a transformational leader with the right mission, the right principal. I example: She and her husband are liter- think instituting public charters is one ally leaders in the education reform move- way to transform a school system, though ment. I can name many other leaders, like “I tried to use every office that I held to promote and not always the only way. For instance, my brother New Orleans Mayor Mitch in St. Bernard Parish, it was completely Landrieu or Alexandria Mayor Jacques push for what I would consider mainstream education destroyed after Katrina just like New Or- Roy and Shreveport Mayor leans and both parishes rose in a different who have all been outspoken about the reform: Opportunities for every child to have access to way. Doris Voitier, an excellent superin- need for excellence in education. So I tendent in St. Bernard, had a spectacular think there’s broad support happily be- a quality teacher, less bureaucracy, more results, higher team around her, rebuilt all of her nine tween the Republicans and Democrats for schools in a traditional way and they’re education reform. I’d like to try to help graduation results and a broader sense of happiness all excellent. Orleans had different lead- keep it that way. I think it’s important for ership and it wasn’t the right leadership. this issue to not be politicized but for par- and joy at every school level. We rebuilt our system with public char- ties to be united. ” ters and both are now moving towards were not wealthy. Yet, we all went to a excellence. So you can build excellence But there are challenges for that politi- the changing of our top down system to through a traditional model with the right cal unity, don’t you think? neighborhood Catholic school, I think our bottom up, from a monopolistic system to tuition was maybe $300 a year. There was leadership, flexibility, accountability, and Senator Landrieu: I think it is im- a multi-provider system with public char- superintendent. But, if that’s not in place, just always a lot of books in the house, ter schools, which has the benefit of leav- portant to keep public money in public college was a must, education was impor- I think the fastest way to get there is schools. That’s why I had limited support ing money in the public sphere and also through a public charter model and that’s tant. the advantage of choice and opportunity. for vouchers. They should be used only I’ve seen education result in so many what I’m promoting here in Louisiana. strategically and used in conjunction with outstanding opportunities for my family Are there challenges that concern you? other efforts within a parish to transform and others. So my passion for education A lot of Democrats have chosen not to schools. So if you do it parish by parish, started long before I got to the Senate. Senator Landrieu: There are down- support public charters and the idea of and have each parish come up with a plan, Then, as a legislator, a state treasurer, and sides as well. There’s not the same stabil- having quality options for families… school reform can be part traditional, as a U.S. Senator, I tried to use every of- ity issue which some people clamor for, Senator Landrieu: Well actually, pub- part charter, part voucher, but the plan is fice that I held to promote and push for but on the other hand I feel if we keep lic charters has been used as a political to quickly get each child into the highest what I would consider mainstream educa- moving forward and building on success tool which I think is unfortunate. Gover- quality and best place for that child be- tion reform - opportunities for every child we can continue to see tremendous re- nor has done this himself, cause a year matters in a child’s life. to have access to a quality teacher, less sults. Now around other parts of the state, for example. But about Democrats and continued on page 15 bureaucracy, more results, higher gradu- including Baton Rouge, it’s been a bit of Republicans, I find a great deal of support ation results and a broader sense of happi- a mixed bag. There’s nothing ‘magical’ for education reform among all leaders. 10

11 Tenants of Quality Education Policy

LAPCS believes certain principles are essential to the development of quality public education The Louisiana Association of Public Charter Schools celebrates lawmakers who have options for all Louisiana students. stood up consistently for the principles central to education reform in our state:

Why are we concerned about education re- 1. Supports the Louisiana Charter School Law form in Louisiana? The answer is simple: Old state academic standards were not rigorous 2. Promotes parent choice in public education enough for most students to master important 3. Supports the principle that public school dollars follow the child subject matter nor for many graduates to sol- idly prepare for high-skill career training, or 4. Allows for duplication of successful charter schools the technical, college, and university courses 5. Provides for an appeals mechanism for charter applicants rejected at the local level needed in our dynamic economy. A public edu- cation was not enough, in other words, to make 6. Supports decision-making as close to the classroom as possible our young people employable. 7. Provides Superintendents and Principals with autonomy in achieving outcomes Thus, the State of Louisiana has passed sev- 8. Minimizes/eliminates unfunded mandates eral laws over the past 20 years designed to completely rebuild the public education system. 9. Promotes and supports higher standards in public education, including public grading of schools and school As these reforms have started to be implement- districts for academic performance ed however, the old school guard has become 10. Supports annual teacher evaluations increasingly aggressive in fighting back against 11. Supports strengthening pre-K programs to promote school readiness these reforms and trying to dilute them.

A Timeline of Louisiana’s Public Education Reform Movement

BESE adopts Accountability Commission report and moves to upgrade state curriculum, provide High Stakes testing, Louisiana upgrades its School and District and help failing schools with Distinguished Educators Accountability plan and laws to reflect the Teacher pay increases begin; Alternative Certification federal No Child Left Behind standards Governor Foster appoints Ms. Jacobs and fellow program for Principals created All students, including special education reformer Paul Pastorek to the Louisiana Board of students, are now included in testing Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) Constitutional Amendment passes allowing High-stakes testing and BESE to take over failing schools; creating BESE appoints Senator Picard as Superintendent SPS expanded to include the Recovery School District of Education for Louisiana high schools in Louisiana Three charter schools open in Louisiana Legislature creates the Type 5 charter school for charters under the jurisdiction of the RSD

1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2001 2002 2003 2005

Louisiana Legislature works out strategic plan to Legislature creates the consistently increase teacher pay and double the School and District amount of public education dollars spent per child State Senator Cecil Picard, Accountability Commission Department of Education Chair, Education Committee and issues comprehensive administers high-stakes passes the Louisiana Charter report about how to testing and issues first School School Law Hurricane Katrina and levee failures in greater New Orleans area improve student academic Performance Scores (SPS) for Mike Foster is elected achievement in Louisiana grades K-8 Five charter schools in Algiers are only public schools to reopen in Governor; promises not to 2005 following the storm Legislature increases cap on Failing schools are identified take a salary until teacher pay charter schools to 42, and for corrective academic action; Governor issues allowing Orleans is increased to the Southern allows charter applicants Orleans Parish has most failing Parish School Board to convert existing schools to charters without State (SREB) average denied by local school schools in Louisiana public input Governor Foster appoints boards to appeal to BESE BESE allowed by law to transfer failing schools in Orleans to the Education Reformer Leslie for authorization Recovery School District of New Orleans Jacobs to chair his Education Transition Team BESE phases in End of Course tests to replace the GEE; Career-tech diploma approved 11

What do these concepts mean? her the freedom needed to execute said plan. Likewise, grams in the state vary greatly in terms of quality. A Superintendents should empower their Principals to unified strategy is necessary for publicly funded early Principles 1-5 make decisions as close to the student as possible. childhood programs, and new legislation will require School Choice accountability and performance objectives in return for Education reform requires that Louisiana continue to Principles 9-10 state tax dollars. offer to parents and students increased choice options School Standards in public education. Competition for students within the Louisiana needs higher academic standards and rig- public education system promotes better academic op- orous assessments that prove learning is taking place tions and empowers families. within our schools. Students ranking at the bottom in the critical subject areas of reading and mathematics Principles 6-8 will not allow our state to fully participate in the new School Autonomy technological and global economy. When academic Much of what makes charter schools unique and suc- standards and expectations in public education are com- cessful is the flexibility they are given to innovate, and mensurate with states and nations that compete with us develop a school culture and mission that is unique to for jobs, our people will do better. a given school. Autonomy is essential to the success of charter schools. While the idea of independence is in- Principle 11 herent to charter schools, we believe that good education Enhanced Early Childhood Education policy extends the same concept to traditional public Early childhood learning can provide tremendous schools as well. School boards should provide their Su- benefits to student academic achievement, but pro- perintendent with certain benchmarks, then give him/

Charter schools in Louisiana did not grow up in a vacuum. The state has been trying to devise a consistent strategy toward public education reform since Governor stated in 1987 that the Department of Education needed to be bricked up in order to rebuild the state’s method of educating young children. Louisiana consistently rated last in national comparisons on academic performance by public school students, and even today, the state has climbed only to 48th place. Regardless, it is over the past 20 years, and the last eight in particular, that the state has seen the most concerted efforts to reform public education. Here is a brief review of this history, which features charter school growth as a key component of a public education overhaul.

John White becomes Superintendent of Governor Blanco Education; Patrick Public schools begin alignment of curriculums appoints Paul Pastorek Dobard becomes RSD with Common Core standards as Superintendent of Superintendent Recovery School District of Orleans becomes first Education Pilot scholarship or all charter district in the nation “voucher” bill passes for Orleans Parish only Legislature removes cap on how many charter schools can operate in Louisiana Instituted new “baseline” test to measure student performance in Louisiana Louisiana has 134 charter schools

2006 2007 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

Paul Vallas becomes Superintendent of Comprehensive Education package passes, which: Recovery School District • Underscores that educators are in charge of hiring and firing not elected school boards; State provides first baseline • Empowers parents with more public school choices when they live assessment of teacher Red Tape Reduction and Local in a failing school district; quality in public schools Empowerment Act passes which allows traditional schools to operate more like • Allows for duplication of successful charters; Louisiana has 2nd charters in order to avoid state takeover • Creates the dual enrollment program in Louisiana to encourage strongest charter school college track graduates; law in the nation and 2nd most favorable • Strengthens Louisiana’s Pre-K program; environment for parent • Identifies High Performance, High Poverty Schools for replication of choice, according to successful models in Louisiana CREDO 12

True Accountability Means Parents Can Choose

Rep. Stephen Carter As we celebrate the 20th Anniversary of State Representative “ Chair, House Education Committee Charter School Law here in Louisiana, it is imperative we continue to build upon the principle There is no shortage of buzz words surrounding educa- tion these days: data-driven, best practices, transparen- of ground-level accountability. cy, choice… Underlying all these concepts is the critical ” notion of accountability. When most people think of accountability in public charter schools, or through the state scholarship program, Louisiana families have education, they probably think of test scores or teacher more options in education than ever before. Ground-level accountability really is evaluations. While these are valuable benchmarks, they are exclusively top-down. about parental choice for their families. These top-down accountability measures are important to allow the Department of As we celebrate the 20th Anniversary of Charter School Law here in Louisiana, it Education, the Legislature, parents, and students to know how well their school is do- is imperative we continue to build upon the principle of ground-level accountability. ing relative to a school the next city over, or on the opposite side of the state. Once we Not just parents being able to vote with their feet when it comes to choosing a pub- get PARCC fully implemented across Louisiana, we’ll be able to measure our students lic school that fits their child, but also with decisions in educational delivery being against the best and brightest of over 40 states nationally, but that’s a different conver- pushed into the classroom. sation for a different day. The realm of conventional public education – teachers unions, local school boards – Top-down accountability measures are necessary to know where one school stands would be better served by worrying less about Louisiana’s families choosing public in relation to another, at least academically. But what good does that do the parent of charter schools over their traditional public schools, and working toward systematic a student who is stuck in a failing school, when the family who lives across the street change that encourages the same level of pro-active autonomy in all public schools; is assigned to a higher-performing school? Giving families that level of top-down to stop looking at public charter schools as a problem, and more as a challenge or accountability information without empowering them with real educational options template even of how to get better. doesn’t do those families on the wrong side of the street much of any good. Charter schools have been a change agent for good in our public education system. In my time serving on the House Education Committee, I can proudly say that we From parental empowerment, to mission driven education and classroom-level deci- have had many successes in providing “ground-level” accountability in our education sion making, charter schools are providing us a glimpse of what the future of public system. Whether through the course choice program, supporting high quality public education can be, and that future is bright.

National Charter School Week is May 3-9 The Louisiana Association of Public Charter Schools (LAPCS) will join the state’s 134 charter schools, serving over 70,000 children across Louisiana, in celebrating National Charter Schools Week, May 3-9, 2015. This year will also mark the 20th anniversary of Louisiana’s groundbreaking charter school law, ranked as the second strongest in the U.S., benefiting public school students across the state with nation’s second strongest charter school movement. A recent study by the Stanford Center for Research on Education Outcomes (CREDO) found that New Orleans public charter schools significantly outperform their conventional public school counterparts, equating to an additional 40 school days in math and 28 in reading over the span of a school year. For more information on Louisiana’s public charter schools visit www.lacharterschools.org. For national information on public charter schools visit the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools' website at www.publiccharters.org. 13

True Accountability Means Parents Can Choose The Voting Record: = Positive impact on charter schools = Negative impact on charter schools

Major Charter School Related Bills Over Past Three Years A = Legislator absent = Legislator not yet in office Bills that have made it out of Committee for a floor vote in the House and/or Senate = Bill did not come before that chamber

2014 2013 2012 2014 2013 2012 2014 2013 2012 HB HB HB HB SB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB SB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB SB HB HB HB HB HB 61 941 968 125 206 115 661 466 974 976 61 941 968 125 206 115 661 466 974 976 61 941 968 125 206 115 661 466 974 976 REPRESENTATIVES REPRESENTATIVES REPRESENTATIVES Rep. A Rep. Frank Howard Rep. Rep. Bryan Adams Rep. Marcus Hunter A Rep. Rep. A Rep. Mike Huval Rep. Alfred Williams Rep. Rep. Patrick Williams Rep.Jeff Arnold A A A Rep. A A Rep. Thomas Willmott Rep.Austin Badon Rep. Ted James Rep. Ebony Woodruff Rep. A A Rep. Patrick Jefferson Rep. Regina Barrow A Rep. Mike Johnson newly elected - no record SENATORS Rep. John Berthelot Rep. Robert Johnson Senator Robert Adley Rep. Robert Billiot Rep. Sam Jones Senator Rep. Rep. Chuck Kleckley Senator R. L. Rep. Wesley Bishop Rep. Eddie Lambert A A Senator Jody Amedee A Rep. Joe Bouie newly elected - no record Rep. Nancy Landry Senator Conrad Appel Rep. A A A Rep. Terry Landry Senator Rep. Terry Brown Rep. Bernard LeBas Senator Troy E. Brown A Rep. Richard Burford A Rep. Walt Leger A A A Senator Sherri Smith Buffington Rep. Henry Burns Rep. Christopher Leopold Senator A Rep. Timothy Burns Rep. A Senator Dan Claitor Rep. Roy Burrell A Rep. Nick Lorusso Senator Rep. Thomas Carmody Rep. Sherman Mack Senator A.G. Crowe Rep. Stephen Carter Rep. Gregory Miller Senator Jack Donahue A A Rep. Charles Chaney Rep. A Senator Yvonne Dorsey-Colomb Rep. A Rep. Senator Dale Erdey Rep. Kenny Cox A Rep. Jim Morris A A A Senator Richard Gallot Rep. Gregory Cromer A Rep. A Senator A Rep. Michael Danahay Rep. Barbara Norton A Senator David Heitmeier Rep. Gordon Dove Rep. Stephen Ortego A Senator Ronnie Johns Rep. Rep. Kevin Pearson Senator Bob Kostelka Rep. James Fannin A Rep. Senator Eric LaFleur Rep. Rep. Erich Ponti A Senator Gerald Long Rep. A Franklin A Rep. Rogers Pope A Senator Daniel Martiny A Rep. A A Rep. Edward Price A Senator Rep. Raymond Garofalo Rep. Stephen Pugh A Senator J.P. Morrell Rep. Brett Geymann A Rep. Senator Dan Morrish Rep. Jerry Gisclair Rep. Eugene Reynolds Senator Edwin Murray Rep. Mickey Guillory Rep. Jerome,Richard A A Senator Ben Nevers A Rep. John Guinn A Rep. Senator Rep. A Rep. A A A Senator Jonathan Perry A Rep. Joe Harrison A Rep. Senator Karen Carter Peterson Rep. Kenneth Havard A Rep. Senator Neil Riser Rep. Chris Hazel Rep. Senator Gary Smith Rep. Cameron Henry Rep. Robert Shadoin A A Senator John Smith A Rep. Bob Hensgens A A Rep. A A A Senator Gregory Tarver A Rep. A Rep. Patricia Haynes Smith Senator Francis Thompson Rep. A Rep. Karen St. Germain A Senator Michael Walsworth Rep. Frank Hoffmann Rep. Senator Rick Ward Rep. A Rep. Senator Mack Rep. Dalton Honoré A Rep. A 14

Mythbusters: The Facts about Charter Schools in Louisiana

MYTH: Charter schools “drain money” from district MYTH: Charter public schools are privately run and are public schools. trying to make a profit on Louisiana’s students. Charter School Performance Scores TRUTH: Charter public schools, like conventional pub- TRUTH: All charter schools are public schools governed 100 lic schools, receive state and local funding through the by a nonprofit board of volunteers. DataThey are tuition free Minimum Foundation Program (MFP), which is allocat- and must participate in the state’s accountability system. 95 95.8 ed on a per pupil basis. In other words, the money follows Just as traditional districts outsource services, charter the child. If parents decide to send their child to a char- school boards may choose to outsource certain opera- 90 ter school, those MFP dollars will follow the child to the tions to an Education Management Organization (EMO). 89.8 charter school, they will not remain at the conventional 88.5 These EMOs have contracts with and must report to the 85 86.7 school the student no longer attends. This is the most eq- charter school board. 85.3 uitable way to fund public education. 80 While some local school districts have chosen to frame MYTH: Charter public schools accept only the “cream 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 this as charter schools "draining" money from conven- of the crop” and reject underperforming students. tional schools, the fact of the matter is that families are TRUTH: Charter schools are schoolsLOUISIANA of choice. No CHARTERone Academic SCHOOL Gains STUDENT COUNTS BY YEAR CHARTER SCHOOLS IN LOUISIANA choosing charter schools in overwhelming numbers is assigned to a charter school, and any student may ap- Though only six percent of Louisiana schools were when given the option. Schools are - and should be - al- ply. If enrollment requests exceed the50000 number of seats, charters in 2012, they accounted for 24 percent of the located funds based upon the students that are in their the school holds a public lottery to determine who will schools with most School Performance Score49190 (SPS) 44387 classrooms. attend. Enrollment is reflective of the 40000educational choices growth, and 15 percent of the state’s top performing parents make for their children. schools. The chart above37030 indicates charter School MYTH: National studies have shown repeatedly that 30000 Performance31549 Scores have increasingly grown over the charter public school students do no better than district MYTH: Charter public schools do not provide special 20000 past26093 five years. public school students. education services. 21695 17617 TRUTH: Various national studies have been conducted TRUTH: Charter public schools are under10000 the same state that showData conflicting results for public charter schools. and federal obligations to provide services to special needs children as other public schools. Furthermore,0 the Independent studies of Louisiana charters have con- 2006 2007 charter. 2008 Unlike 2009 traditional 2010 public 2011 schools, 2012 public charter firmed that charter schools in the state are achieving at percentage of special education students found in public schools can be closed swiftly if they are failing to meet high academic levels.1 Louisiana has a particularly strong charter schools in Louisiana is largely similar to that of high standards inside and outside the classroom. All district public schools. charter program as a result of setting a high bar to obtain charters are reviewed after three years and again in 12 and keep a charter: standards are elevated and oversight their fifth year. At any time, if a charter fails to meet MYTH: Charter public schools play by different rules. is strict. Because of this, only strong charter applications its academic, financial or operational obligations, it can are approved and low-performing charters are closed. TRUTH: Charter public schools mustLEAP/ILEAP/GEE follow the same SCORESface consequences BY SUBJECT, including 2007 closure. TO 2013 77 For example, a report released by Stanford University’s educational standards and administer (Socialthe same Studies)standard- 2 ized tests as all other public schools. The big difference MYTH: Local communities have no meaningful say in CenterLOUISIANA for Research onCHARTER Education SCHOOL Outcomes STUDENT(CREDO) COUNTS BY YEAR ALLCHARTER CHARTERS SCHOOLS VS STATE IN LOUISIANA AVERAGE found that: is the school management. For example, charters can the charter public school process. • Louisiana public charter schools are outperforming lengthen their school days and school years to provide TRUTH: Local communities are at the heart of public 50000 more time in the classroom, establish their70.0% own educa- 67.4% their non-charter school peers on student achieve- 49190 charter schools. Schools are often founded66.2% by parents, tional culture, hire and fire teachers for performance, tie 65.2% 65.5% ment.40000 44387 neighbors, and citizens and governed by local64.4% public teacher pay to performance, and set high standards for 63.5% • African-American students, as well as students37030 in nonprofit boards made up of people who live in the their students. In exchange for this additional flexibility,60.3% 59.9% poverty,30000 performed significantly better31549 in Louisi- 59.4%community. 59.6% 58.5% ana charter schools compared to their non-charter the expectations for charters are extremely60.0% high, and if a 20000 26093 56.9% NUMBER OF CHARTERS school counterparts.21695 charter fails to meet those expectations, it can be closed. References 17617 53.6%1. Charter School Performance in Louisiana. Stanford,State CA: 120

• Statewide, Louisiana charter schools overall are im- pct basic or above All Charters 10000 MYTH: Public charter schools are not held accountable51.7% Stanford University’s Center for Research on Education 120 proving student achievement at a faster rate than for performance. Outcomes, 2009. 100 non-charter0 schools. Additionally, students in their 50.0% 2. Charter School Performance in Louisiana. Stanford, CA: 104 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2007 2008 Stanford 2009 University’s 2010 Center 2111 for Research 2012 on Education 2013 98 second, third, and fourth year in a charter school TRUTH: Charter schools are subject to annual 80 90 Outcomes, 2009. 90 saw significantly more positive achievement gains monitoring by their authorizer and must be approved for 77 60 77 renewal. It is extremely difficult to obtain and retain a 64 than their non-charter school counterparts. 64 12 51 40 51 90 41 41 20 LEAP/ILEAP/GEE SCORES BY SUBJECT, 2007 TO 2013 LEAP/ILEAP/GEE SCORES BY SUBJECT, 200777 TO 2013 (MATH) (Social Studies) ALL CHARTERS VS STATE AVERAGE 0 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 ALL CHARTERS VS STATE AVERAGE 69.7% 69.8% 70.0% 61.2% 66.7% 67.9% 70.0% 67.4% 66.2% 64.9% 65.2% 65.5% 63.5% 64.4% 62.3% 61.6% CHARTER SPS 60.8% 61.3% 60.3% 59.4% 59.6% 59.9% 100 60.0% 58.5% 60.0% 50.7% 56.9% NUMBER58.2% OF CHARTERS 95 53.6% State 120 95.8 pct basic or above All Charters pct basic or above 51.7% 53.7% 120 State 90 100 52.0% All Charters 50.0% 104 89.8 2007 2008 2009 2010 2111 2012 2013 98 88.5 80 9090 85 50.0% 86.7 77 85.3 60 2007 2008 200977 2010 2111 2012 2013 64 64 80 51 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 40 51 90 41 41 LEAP/ILEAP/GEE SCORES BY SUBJECT, 2007 TO 2013 (MATH) 20 ALL CHARTERS VS STATE AVERAGE 0 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 69.7% 69.8% 70.0% 61.2% 66.7% 67.9% 64.9% www.lacharterschools.org | (504) 274-3651 62.3% 61.6% CHARTER SPS 60.8% 61.3% 100 60.0% 58.2% 50.7% 95 95.8 pct basic or above 53.7% State 90 52.0% All Charters 89.8 88.5 85 50.0% 86.7 2007 2008 2009 2010 2111 2012 2013 85.3 80 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

www.lacharterschools.org | (504) 274-3651 15

Senator Landrieu continued from page 9

It’s really important for kids and par- system and a white system, and when the ents to understand that when they get system was integrated, integration failed their diploma, it’s not that piece of paper to a large extent because many of the but what the piece of paper represents: whites went to private schools while Afri- that children will be competent in math, can Americans stayed in the public school science, history, geography, English, and system. Now there’s an opportunity with more. It really has been too politicized school reform to attract middle school and blamed on President Obama when families of all races back to the public he’s probably had the least bit to do with it school system and have it be a real foun- out of anybody in the country! dation for the growth of our communities. I know that’s how New Orleans is grow-

“You can build excellence through a traditional model with the right leadership, flexibility,

That’s a tall order for any district! tors, nurses…there is a core standard of accountability, and superintendent. But, if that’s Senator Landrieu: I’m hoping that a accountability in every profession. Even not in place, I think the fastest way to get there is benefit of being out of the Senate is that teachers themselves have to have a core now I have more time to focus on this competence. I don’t think people would through a public charter model and that’s what issue. I really think for our state and na- put up for one minute if the core curricu- tion’s future, having a high quality and lum was thrown out for teachers and that I’m promoting here in Louisiana. excellent education opportunity for every anything would go. And the same goes ” child, is absolutely essential. for our students, there’s standards or core elements that every 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th…8th There has been a political debate go- grader should have to master. ing on about standards in our state and This Common Core “process” was not Your support for Common Core should ing, using new and exciting schools as an around the nation, particularly focused put together in Washington, or directed encourage others. opportunity to do just that. by the White House, or President Barack on the idea of the Common Core State Senator Landrieu: Common Core Obama. This was started at the state level Standards. You’ve been supportive of was really developed at the local level so To view this interview with Senator with the governors. Governor Jindal was that, as has our organization, but why I hope the legislators here support it but Landrieu, and an extended conversation for Common Core until he realized it have you have chosen to support this most importantly I hope it doesn’t dis- led by LAPCS Policy Director Veronica wouldn’t be helpful to his presidential am- and why do you believe it's important? tract us from the work at hand which is Brooks on the Cox Cable Channel 4 TV bitions so he took a 180-degree turn for to build the best schools in every com- show “Educating Louisiana”, please go Senator Landrieu: Well I think it’s political reasons. But the Common Core munity, encourage diversity--especially to: https://vimeo.com/lapcs. The show important that you used the word that Standards were developed at the state in Louisiana. It’s been a real struggle in airs every Thursday at 8:30 p.m. in Lafay- actually describes what this whole com- level so that’s why I support it and will Louisiana as a southern state. We’ve had ette, Baton Rouge and New Orleans. motion is about: standards. Every profes- continue to support it. sion…lawyers, accountants, barbers, doc- a divided school system for years, a black

20 years of Charter Schools continued from page 3

Recent recognitions for Louisiana’s reform efforts: 2014: NAPCS (National Alliance for Public Charter Schools) 2nd strongest char- ter school law in the nation. Louisiana’s law does not cap public charter school growth, includes multiple authorizers, provides a fair amount of autonomy and accountability, and provides relatively equitable operational and categorical Watch funding to charters. See report at: http://www.publiccharters.org/get-the-facts/ Educating Louisiana law-database/states/la/ NAPCS 2nd strongest charter school movement in nation. See full report Thursdays, 8:30 p.m. here: http://www.publiccharters.org/get-the-facts/health-of-movement/states/ LA/ Cox Cable 4 Orleans Recovery School District - New Orleans becomes the first all char- ter school district in the . There are 134 charter schools in 20 NOLA, BR, and Lafayette Louisiana Parishes during the 2014-2015 school year. Educating Louisiana Host 2015: ALEC (American Legislative Exchange Council): Grades Louisiana B- www.vimeo.com/LAPCS Ms. Veronica Brooks For state-by-state comparison on educational achievement levels, performance, and gains for low income students, academic standards, school choice, and charter schools. See report at: http://www.alec.org/publications/report-card- on-american-education/ Help the LAPCS Support High Quality Charter Schools YES! I am interested in partnering with the Louisiana Association of Public Charter Schools to support high quality education in Louisiana. I want to work with the LAPCS to support, promote, and advocate for high quality charter schools in Louisiana for the 2015 fiscal year. I would like to: ___ Learn more about The Top Shelf ___ Learn more about The Bottom Line ___ Learn more about Apply Yourself! ___ Sponsor the LAPCS Annual Conference ___ Attend the LAPCS Conference as: ____ Individual ____ Group ____ Vendor ___ Sponsor the LAPCS weekly television program Educating Louisiana ___ Make a donation to LAPCS ___ Sign up for monthly Newsletters

______NAME ______ADDRESS STATE ZIP ______E-MAIL PHONE

Mail or fax to: Louisiana Association Of Public Charter Schools, 1555 Poydras Street, Suite 750 New Orleans, La 70112 (504) 274-3651 | fax (504) 274-3690

The mission of the Louisiana Association of Public Charter Schools is to support, promote, and advocate for the Louisiana charter school movement, increasing student access to high quality public schools statewide.

Louisiana Association of Public Charter Schools | lacharterschools.org 504-274-3651 | 1555 Poydras Street, Suite 750 New Orleans, LA 70112