A vacation message from Seattle Public Colleges made the same old gestures: because of employees and households amid mild reference to “challenges” and aspirations for the approaching 12 months. However learn between the traces.
The observe from interim Superintendent Fred Podesta betrays a notably modest tone, acknowledging within the gentlest method that SPS will not be the place it must be. “It’s a time for renewed hope as we work collectively to make Seattle Public Colleges one of many prime districts within the nation,” he stated.
Humility is okay. And years of crushing finances deficits, a feckless faculty board and churn on the prime 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 best within the state.
The criterion for such designations is squishy. Generally it’s primarily based on commencement charges. Different instances, it’s local weather surveys that present how college students really feel about their colleges. However a number of classes must be nonnegotiable — corresponding to efficiency on expertise exams, charges of post-high faculty enrollment and the share of children passing high-rigor programs, significantly these from low-income households.
In that final class, there may be actual cause for optimism. Eighty % of scholars in Seattle’s Class of 2024 took at the 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 crucial accomplishment.
School-going has improved, too. Greater than 80% of the Class of 2023 enrolled in a level or career-training program after commencement, the best price 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 earnings, poverty ought to by no means be an excuse. Think about Issaquah — typically cited as Washington’s prime faculty district — the place low-income college students are scoring about 12 factors greater than low-income youngsters in Seattle.
Schooling will not be a contest. Issues like neighborhood assist and a way of belonging matter, and they’re going to by no means present up on take a look at outcomes. By that measure, lots of Seattle’s colleges are doing OK. However OK will not be national-level standout. And that’s what Seattle must be.
So purpose greater, SPS! With an formidable new superintendent about to take the helm, the time has come to supercharge this district.
