Education expert says La. system destined for failure

Diane Ravitch—a former proponent of the conservative education agenda turned critic—bashed Louisiana schools today, arguing that the state’s current school system is based on a radical political agenda destined for failure. “Louisiana is dismantling one of the essential institutions of our democratic society,” she told attendees at today’s Leaders With Vision luncheon. In a fast-paced and pointed critique of Louisiana schools, Ravitch—who’s also a former U.S. Assistant Secretary of Education and current New York University research professor, education historian and author—called vouchers, charter schools and teacher merit pay programs “risky.” She adds there’s no scientific evidence that such initiatives work as well as supporters say they do. “This is not a conservative plan; it is a radical plan,” she says. “It is reckless with children’s lives and with taxpayers dollars.” Ravitch, speaking ahead of BESE head Chas Roemer, rattled off a list of the best practices of nations with the highest-performing education systems, and noted: “Louisiana is not following any of the best practices.” Instead, she says the state is “engaging in massive privatization schemes … designed to hand off students and taxpayer dollars to little religious schools, entrepreneurs, chain schools and for-profit corporations.” Roemer acknowledged widespread weaknesses in the Louisiana public school system but defended charter schools and voucher programs. “We have to offer parents and kids choices,” he said. —April Castro