Atlanta Schools: A Mixed Bag of Gains and Challenges
Atlanta has been in the spotlight again when it comes to public education, and not all of it is sunshine and rainbows. For the past seven years, Learn4Life, a nonprofit collaboration among local organizations, has been diving deep into the education metrics within the metro Atlanta area. The results of their 7th annual report have thrown up a mix of improvements, stagnation, and even some concerning drops in areas that matter. The event took place on December 17 at the Metro Atlanta Chamber, where educators and stakeholders gathered to soak in the latest findings.
The Numbers Game
So, what’s the scoop? Well, let’s start with the numbers! Learn4Life keeps a close eye on six vital indicators:
- Kindergarten readiness
- 3rd-grade reading
- 8th-grade math
- High school graduation rates
- Postsecondary enrollment
- Postsecondary completion
Ken Zeff, the Executive Director of Learn4Life, made a striking observation: “There are 574,322 students enrolled in public schools in this five-county area.” With a statistic that might surprise some, he noted that 80 percent of these students are people of color and 59 percent come from low-income families. That’s significant!
Shaky Reading Skills
When it comes to reading, unfortunately, the latest report revealed that only 41 percent of students can read proficiently by the time they hit 3rd grade. This number is bafflingly close to the initial 40 percent recorded years ago—a clear indicator that we’re stuck in a rut.
Superintendent Bryan Johnson of Atlanta Public Schools shared his frustration about the lack of consistency in teaching methods over the years, which he believes has contributed to this stagnation. “School systems do not stick to particular methods long enough to see results,” he claimed.
Shining a Light on Solutions
But not all is bleak. One shining initiative sprouting up is the Atlanta Vision Project, which partners with Vision to Learn. This program is all about getting glasses on the faces of students who need them—because as the adage goes, if kids can’t see, they can’t learn! This initiative has provided over 38,000 pairs of glasses to students thus far.
Let’s hear it for the teachers too! Sadly, less than 60 percent of teachers report wanting to stay in the profession for five years, and 48 percent admit to feeling burned out. Educational professionals, including Zeff and Johnson, agree that the expectations placed on teachers have never been higher, leading to a challenging landscape for those in the classroom.
Fresh Programs Hyped for Teacher Morale
One innovative program called RETAIN, led by the Georgia Leadership Institute for School Improvement (GLISI), is making waves in boosting teacher morale. It’s important for schools to focus on what teachers need, and it looks like Bunche Middle School is doing just that. Teacher Sheronda Cooper praised Principal Kimberly Terry Whitfield for making teachers feel valued and heard!
Postsecondary Challenges and Bright Spots
Now, let’s talk about what comes after high school. Only 69 percent of graduates enroll in post-secondary institutions—a number that doesn’t align with future job expectations, which indicate that by 2031, 85 percent of good jobs will require some form of post-secondary education.
However, there are bright spots! One standout program is the Grady Health System’s Teen Experience and Leadership Program (TELP). This program exposes students to over 70 healthcare careers and boasts a whopping 95 percent of participants reporting increased interest in pursuing healthcare careers.
Wrapping Up the Insights
As we dig deeper into these reports, Frank Fernandez, President of the Community Foundation, had this to say: “These bright spots remind us of what’s possible when we work together.” The message is clear: while challenges exist, collaboration and innovative programs are paving the way for a brighter future for Atlanta students.
Here’s hoping that as we move forward, the focus remains on what’s working and what still needs improvement. As education evolves in Atlanta, one thing is certain: the community is ready to lend a helping hand!
