“High school reform in NC is working,” says NC high school reform organization

The January 10, 2010 issue of the Christian Science Monitor features an article on the nationwide failure to improve high schools. The article mentions efforts by North Carolina to use the Learn and Earn/Early College program to improve high schools.

The article also highlights an Urban Institute book that cites North Carolina’s success in high school reform efforts. According to reporter Amanda Paulson,

In all the cases that were examined in the Urban Institute book there were at least some gains, particularly in graduation rates, as well as a shift in culture and a more personalized high school experience. Results from New York City and North Carolina were particularly strong. But widespread improvements and jumps in achievement were elusive.

What is the problem, then? The chapter on North Carolina was written by Geoff Coltrane (Hunt Institute), Todd Silberman (New Schools Project), and Joseph Garcia (New Schools Project). The New Schools Project runs the state’s Learn and Earn/Early College high school reform program.

So, those in charge of high school reform in NC say that high school reform in NC is working. Ms. Paulson should have acknowledged that the assessment of North Carolina’s high school reform does not come from an objective or independent source.