Note: please note that this issue overview should (a) contain links to the issue briefs on this topic that are focused either the local, state, national, or global level, and (b) be neutrally presented, based on facts, and include footnotes for each of the items.  See the Research Guide and Information Sources to assist you. 

Goal Statement   one sentence that further defines the topic 

• To devise solutions and recommendations for the New Orleans Recovery School District that would help to create an eco-friendly, healthy, and safe school environment for all students who attend public schools in New Orleans.

Policy Options / Model Programs   specific policies or program models, grouped by type, that are profiled 

• Model Program >  Newton Middle School in Newton, PA (Security in Public Schools)

• Model Program > Abernathy elementary in Portland, OR (Healthy Food Options)

• Policy Option >  Training Better Teachers

Local/State/National Information    information on this topic at the local, state, national, global level

• Dignity in Public Schools-New Orleans, LA 

Glossary of Terms   key words or phrases that the layperson needs to know to understand this issue 

• Rethink-Kids Rethink New Orleans Schools (Rethink) is a non-profit, civic engagement program for youth ages 8 to 16 - predominantly middle schoolers. They empower young people to use their experiences, voices and leadership for positive change in their public schools. They believe that students are the true stakeholders when it comes to education. They deserve decision-making power as New Orleans rebuilds the public school system that is meant to serve them.

• Recovery School District-The Recovery School District (RSD) is a special state school district administered by the Louisiana Department of Education. Created by legislation passed in 2003, the RSD is dedicated to turning underperforming schools into successful schools.

• Mood Detector- The “mood detector” is a fictional device that would serve the purpose of being able to detect the mood of the students as they walk through the school doors, and depending on the mood of the student, they would be directed to class or to a counselor or social worker. For instance, if a student is feeling angry or sad, they would be able to receive assistance from a counselor or social worker to help the student cope with the issues that they have been dealing with.

• Restorative Practice- Is A talk-it-out approach to foster dialogue between aggrieved students. Students are taught basic social skills to problem solve and lower tensions in schools. 

Bibliography    

• Carter, V. (2009). Rethink: Kids Rethink New Orleans Schools. Retrieved June 10, 2009, from Rethink: Kids Rethink New Orleans Schools Web site: http://www.therethinkers.com/contact/

• Carolyn Boyes-Watson, Suffolk College; Jon Prichard, University of Maine; Gwen Chandler-Rhivers; Pranis, K., Barry Stuart and Mark Wedge, 2003, Peacemaking Circles, From Crime to Community, Living Justice Press.

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  McCarthy, B New Orleans has highest crime rate in country, national study says. (08,11 04). The Times Picayune, p. metro section.

  <http://www.nola.com/news/index.ssf/2008/11/new_orleans_has_highest_crime.html

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  Scott S. Cowen Institute for Public Education Initiatives. (2008). Public School Performance in New Orleans: A Supplement to the 2008 State of Public Education in New Orleans Report [Brochure]. New Orleans, La: The Scott S. Cowen Institute for Public Education Initiatives at TulaneUniversity.

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  The RecoverySchool District, (2009). LouisianRecoverySchool District. Retrieved August 7, 2009, from http://www.rsdla.net Web site: http://www.rsdla.net

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  Teach For America, (1996-2009). New Orleans: Schools. Retrieved June 10, 2009, from Teach for America Web site: http://www.teachforamerica.org/corps/placement_regions/greater_new_orleans/schools.htm

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  Kids Rethink New Orleans Schools. (2009). Kids Will Eat It! Fresh, Local Food and New OrleansPublic Schools (4th ed.) [Brochure]. New Orleans, La: KidsRethinkNew OrleansSchools

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  Kids Rethink New Orleans Schools. (2009). Dignity in Schools: An Unexcused Absence (5th ed.) [Brochure]. New Orleans, La: KidsRethinkNew OrleansSchools.

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  Adamo, Ralph (June 2006). Squeezing Public Education: History and Ideology Gang up in New Orleans. Dissent Magazine, Retrieved June 10, 2009, from http://www.dissentmagazine.org/article/?article=862-

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  The Children's Defense Fund, (2009). Cradle to Prison Pipeline Campaign. Children's Defense Fund, Retrieved July 15th, 2009, from http://www.childrensdefense.org/helping-americas-children/cradle-to-prison-pipeline-campaign/

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  Interview with Vanessa Sanders. July 13, 2009

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  Interview with Isaiah Simms and Terriana Julien. July 13, 2009.

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  Adams, C (2008). The Talk-It-Out-Solution: How can you promote safety? Try getting rid of the metal detectors.. Scholastic Administrator Magazine, Retrieved June 12, 2009, from http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=3750554