Michigan Schools With Horrific 10% Literacy Rate Have Been Taken Over by a Charter Operator
Just outside of Detroit is a school district where only 10 percent of students from third to eighth grade are proficient in reading and math. On the college-ready exam, 90 percent of the district's 11th graders failed the reading portion, 97 percent failed the math section, and 100 percent failed the social studies and science portions.
The troubled Highland Park district has not only been in the news for poor student achievement rates; it's also been put front and center because of corruption in its school board and for being sued by the ACLU for its dismal literacy rates.
Recently The Highland Park Schools' Emergency Manager, Joyce Parker, has selected charter operator Leona Group, LLC to take over the failing school district. This particular group operates over 60 schools in five states.
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In a written statement Parker said:
The Leona Group offered the best fit for Highland Park students and families. In addition to their strong academic performance standards, Leona is committed to working in partnership with parents, the community, my office and the new board to ensure students in Highland Park receive the very best education possible.
While this may indicate some progress being made to reform the district, the ACLU of Michigan says don't hold your breath. In regards to the new charter operator and the ACLU's Right to Read lawsuit, Rana Elmir, communications director of the ACLU of Michigan, said in a statement to TakePart today:
We have concerns that the state turned the district over to a charter operating company with a low performance record. The state must ensure that the Right to Read law is enforced no matter who runs the schools, and should put in place a panel of experts to ensure districts and charters are using the best intervention tools. Charter schools are public schools, therefore they should be held to the same standards and obligated by the same laws.
On Wednesday, 250 parents and concerned citizens came together to learn about the transition the schools will be making in the fall. According to The Wall Street Journal, "students and parents complain of dirty classrooms, exposed wiring in the schools, rationed textbook, and swimming pools—once used by powerhouse swim teams—that now sit drained of water."
Leona Chief Executive William Coats said during the meeting that as the charter operator builds equity, they will "give that back to the schools."
Cynthia Gresham, a school volunteer and parent of an incoming senior at Highland Park Community High School, said at the meeting, "I have a lot of questions, but I'm hopeful that it will turn out for the best."
That is the consensus for everyone involved—a hope and a prayer that students will get the education they deserve.
What do you think is the answer to fixing a school system with a 10 percent literacy rate? Share your thoughts in comments.
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Jenny is the Education Editor at TakePart. She has been writing for TakePart since 2009 and previously worked in film and television development. She has taught English in Vietnam and tutors homeless children in Los Angeles. Email Jenny | @jennyinglee | TakePart.com
