When Hurricane Katrina ripped through New Orleans, it left several victims, including the city’s education system, which was fractured and in disrepair. Many students were evacuated to neighboring cities and millions of dollars’ worth of infrastructure in New Orleans schools was destroyed.

Now, as New Orleans slowly begins to regain some of its former glory, the schools that are part of the city’s largest school district are embarking on a new program of change that seeks to revamp the existing system and simplify it. Many new changes have been proposed in New Orleans schools that could break down roads. These include, among others, the creation of new secondary schools. There is talk of a possible French academy.

School Closures and Curriculum Changes in New Orleans Schools

There are also other possibly controversial plans to close at least one school in New Orleans starting next year. This is being done to eliminate underperforming schools that are a waste of funds. New Orleans schools that consistently perform poorly on tests or do not attract new students will be phased out. The program hopes that such threats will force schools to make some changes in the way things work.

Other plans include the introduction of a standard curriculum in all schools to ensure uniformity in the educational system. School days will be extended to all schools in New Orleans. In view of the need for a focused education leading to career opportunities upon graduation, Advanced Placement courses are offered and students have the opportunity to earn college credit at all levels. This encourages them to think in terms of expanding their education and greatly improves their prospects in the job market. These programs are being rolled out to all high schools to make college partnerships and work-study programs available to all schools in New Orleans.

Can the changes have a positive impact?

Another very interesting proposal that is being presented is the launch of professional specialty programs in all secondary schools. Special programs in health, for example, or public safety, give students a more specific view of the career options that are available in these areas and encourage the pursuit of opportunities in those areas. To ensure that students have sufficient advanced course opportunities, plans are underway to establish new high schools with advanced courses that will prepare students for the kind of studies they can expect when they arrive at college.

Hurricane Katrina has created unique challenges for New Orleans schools. The change in dynamics after the trauma of the hurricane has ensured that school authorities in New Orleans schools are no longer the authoritarian bodies they used to be. Due to newer and unique challenges, New Orleans schools are finding that they need to work with other agencies in order to move forward.