A vacation message from Seattle Public Faculties made the standard gestures: because of workers and households amid light reference to “challenges” and aspirations for the approaching 12 months. However learn between the traces.
The word from interim Superintendent Fred Podesta betrays a notably modest tone, acknowledging within the gentlest means that SPS isn’t the place it ought to be. “It’s a time for renewed hope as we work collectively to make Seattle Public Faculties one of many high districts within the nation,” he mentioned.
Humility is ok. And years of crushing finances deficits, a feckless college board and churn on the high have undoubtedly taken their toll. However Seattle ought to already be a top-flight district nationally, particularly on this metropolis constructed upon brainpower and innovation.
Proper now, it isn’t even among the finest within the state.
The criterion for such designations is squishy. Generally it’s based mostly on commencement charges. Different occasions, it’s local weather surveys that present how college students really feel about their colleges. However a number of classes ought to be nonnegotiable — comparable to efficiency on expertise exams, charges of post-high college enrollment and the share of children passing high-rigor programs, significantly these from low-income households.
In that final class, there may be actual motive for optimism. Eighty % of scholars in Seattle’s Class of 2024 took at the very least one Superior Placement or Worldwide Baccalaureate class, and greater than 95% handed. Higher nonetheless, the variety of low-income college students collaborating in these demanding programs has risen markedly within the final 10 years. That is a vital accomplishment.
Faculty-going has improved, too. Greater than 80% of the Class of 2023 enrolled in a level or career-training program after commencement, the very best charge ever.
However take a look at scores, nonetheless down in comparison with pre-pandemic charges, stay an issue. Whereas educational efficiency is tightly correlated with household revenue, poverty ought to by no means be an excuse. Contemplate Issaquah — usually cited as Washington’s high college district — the place low-income college students are scoring about 12 factors increased than low-income youngsters in Seattle.
Schooling isn’t a contest. Issues like neighborhood assist and a way of belonging matter, and they’ll by no means present up on take a look at outcomes. By that measure, lots of Seattle’s colleges are doing OK. However OK isn’t national-level standout. And that’s what Seattle ought to be.
So goal increased, SPS! With an formidable new superintendent about to take the helm, the time has come to supercharge this district.
