Jefferson Parish is experiencing some of the same problems that plague Orleans. Although preK Orleans Parish schools were at 62% of the state average in LEAP test scores, Jefferson Parish saw their schools at only 93% of the state average. Other nearby parishes all exceeded the state average. This suggest problems in Jefferson.

• 43,000 students in the postK era, 44,000 in 2007
  
• 54% African American, 65% African American on the West Bank of Jefferson Parish
• 1,400 still involved in a civil rights era forced busing regime in effect since 1971
  
• 15 schools failing to meet state accountability program requirments and subject to takeover in the future
• 19 of 54 elementary schools producing substandard 4th grade results
• 13 of 21 middle school producing substandard 8th grade results
• 3 of 10 high schools far below standards

So in Jefferson, applying the same standard as in Orleans, 35 of the 85 public schools are candidates for takeover by a Recovery School district.

Why? Knowing the answer to this question could help get us out of the plight in Orleans. In Orleans incompetent administration is blamed, but it was only the deathknell of a system that had already failed. Jefferson is still viable but problems plague certain schools. Really understanding what is going could lead to a set of solutions that could apply to schools across the nation. Until we understand the inner dynamics of the failing schools everything we do is just so much trial and error.

• Is less money being spent at these schools?
  
• Are there books? The same books as used elsewhere?
  
• Are there fewer teachers per student?
  
• Are the teachers paid less?

In November 2006 Jefferson Parish Council member Ellen Kovach proposed an end to the forced busing. Her proposal would affect only 3.2% of the students. The public outcry was intense/ Why? Do people really belive she was proposing a return of the doctrine of "Separate but (Un) Equal?" Is the busing program producing such important results that it must be kept. Is it promoting racial equality and harmony? Most importantly does it improve education for the 43,000 students in Jefferson Parish?

• Who is being bused and to where?
• Do bused students fare better after graduation?
• How are other students affected?