Applying Lessons from Katrina to Pandemic Response for Charter Schools

In 2005, Hurricane Katrina swept through Louisiana and as a result eliminated the traditional public education system. Replaced with charter schools, New Orleans became the first U.S. city to adopt a school system based on the principles of markets and economics. Sixteen years later, the results of this “experiment” show that the reforms significantly improved a wide range of student outcomes for nearly all demographics.

COVID-19 essentially forced all schools nationwide to close their doors to in-person learning. Charter schools, however, were able to pivot quickly to meet the needs of their students and as a result were able to help better ensure that learning continued in this new setting. Looking ahead, what changes can (and should) the charter school sector focus on that will enable children to receive the education that best meets their individual needs? What lessons can we take from Katrina and apply them to the pandemic response?

Join former U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu and Professor Douglas Harris of Tulane University for an insightful discussion that includes research from Harris’ book, Charter School City, and how the lessons learned from the New Orleans experience can apply to the pandemic-related education challenges we are facing in across the country.