Achievement gap needs public's greater scrutiny

Eric Hill:

You've undoubtedly read about the Madison Metropolitan School District's recent initiative to close the racial and socioeconomic achievement gap that's been plaguing the city for decades. This sudden shift in collective focus is likely the result of the Urban League of Madison's recent Madison Prep charter school proposal. If not, it's important to note that the proposal would open two schools to serve a portion of youth from some of city's most under-served communities. They would borrow from formulas being used by highly effective charter schools across the country to get at-risk youth achieving at levels consistent with their more fortunate counterparts. But despite it being sound, well-funded and supported by evidence, the plan was ultimately voted down by the Madison school board in favor of the unchanging system that guarantees nothing but persistent failure.

The only silver lining to emerge from the school district's disappointing decision is that the community has a renewed sense of urgency around the issues of education inequality in Madison.

Much more on the proposed Madison Preparatory IB charter school, here.

Posted by Jim Zellmer at March 2, 2012 2:34 AM
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