This is the first of three (one-credit) sessions for the Summer 2021 Education Policy Book Group. Students may enroll in all three sessions, or just one or two! Charter School City: What the End of Traditional Public Schools in New Orleans Means for American Education Douglas N. Harris In the efforts to rebuild New Orleans in the wake of Hurricane Katrina (2005), the New Orleans public school system was practically rebuilt under an independent charter. This shift to an essentially all-charter system has been met with much hyperbole. Advocates of school choice have touted successes, while skeptics have pointed to inequities in student experiences and potentially problematic practices for hiring/firing teachers, particularly those of color. This book provides a starting point for rich discussion about school governance and turnaround, especially alternative and choice- and market-based models, as well as the role of teacher unions in educational reform efforts.

Asynchronous Class Meetings: Weeks of May 25 & June 8 Synchronous Class Meetings: Weeks of June 1 & June 15 (5-8 p.m.) (Asynchronous class meetings will include supplemental readings and activities to expand and enhance our book discussion during our synchronous class meetings.)