Do we want managers to stay on?

compiled by Tina Collins

Contracts with six private “education management organizations” (EMOs), which have been managing over 40 Philadelphia public schools, will expire next June, five years after the state takeover of the Philadelphia school system. The School Reform Commission will be considering whether to renew their contracts.

To encourage discussion about private management of public schools, the Notebook asked for brief responses to the question: Should the EMO contracts be renewed in 2007? Why or why not?
 

If the School District wants to improve student performance, it should not renew contracts with school management companies. Instead of giving millions of dollars to private companies, the District should spend the money on children and programs proven to raise achievement.

Research shows that increasing participation in early childhood education programs and reducing class sizes significantly raise achievement, graduation rates and college attendance rates. Children do better when they have certified, experienced teachers who are provided classroom-focused professional development, and in schools that are safe and orderly. Sadly, many of these most basic reforms, like lowering class sizes, have never been fully implemented - to our children’s detriment.

Since the “Philadelphia experiment” began, District-run schools have outperformed those under private management. The “experiment” has raised awareness about local education issues and created community advocacy and political will to improve schools. This would be a good time to quit experimenting and do what we know works.

Ted Kirsch
president, Philadelphia Federation of Teachers

Before a final decision is reached, a thorough investigation must be made in order to evaluate the actual performance of EMOs in comparison to District-run schools. If such an investigation demonstrates significant differences in performance, where the first outperforms the latter, then contracts should be kept in place. However, if there is no significant difference in performance, or EMOs display lower achievement levels, contracts must then be terminated and funds should be allocated towards programs that have helped improve academic performance for students. Renewing the contracts for EMOs must be supported by evidence of improvement; otherwise, the reasons behind any renewal should be questioned by students, parents, teachers, and other parties involved.

Cristina Gutiérrez
teacher, McKinley School; member of Notebook editorial board