What is the Recovery School District?
The Recovery School District (RSD), which is operated by the Louisiana Department of Education (LDE), is an organization dedicated to turning underperforming schools into successful places for children to learn. While the RSD has authority over most of the public schools in New Orleans, it also has responsibility for schools statewide.

How will the RSD make public schools better?
We are committed to creating world-class public schools and are committed to the following principles:
Student Achievement: Promoting success for every student.
Quality Leadership: Providing quality leadership at all levels.
Working Together: Developing a strong model of parental and community collaboration.
Transparency and Accountability: Ensuring transparency regarding RSD processes and practices and accountability at all levels.
Equal Access and Equity: Ensuring equal access to resources for all schools and students and equity in the provision of all course offerings, programs, and services.
RSD Charter Schools: Ensuring that charter schools in the district are of the highest possible quality by ensuring both support and autonomy for the schools.
Relationship with local school board: Developing a collaborative relationship with local school boards to ensure the provision of high-quality educational opportunities for all students served..

Why was the Recovery School District created?
The Recovery School District provides an opportunity for the state to gain national resources and support underperforming schools in Louisiana.

What will be different about schools in the Recovery School District?
These schools will be designed specifically for the student population they will serve. The curriculum and other facets of each school will be developed to specifically address the needs of the students served in the school. They will use the most current research and practice on successful schools to provide a strong basis for success. The planning process for the development of these schools will encourage the involvement of community members in the design of each school to ensure that the school is the center of community life.

How long will these schools be part of the Recovery School District?
Schools are placed in the Recovery School District for a minimum of five years. This length of time will allow the schools to fully establish the instructional practices and expectations necessary for success prior to return to their local boards. National research shows that it takes about five years to turn around a failing school.

Are there any state-administered achievement tests and/or standardized tests that the students prepare for during the year?
Students participate in the Louisiana Education Assessment Program (LEAP). Students are tested in grades 4 and 8 and are then required to pass the Graduation Exit Examination (GEE) to graduate from high school.