FYI from BSF, 12.10.21
Decline (A Final Note)
One of the more glaring data points from Boston’s enrollment decline was the sharp decrease in students identifying as Black enrolled in Boston Public Schools (BPS).
But, in what has become an all-too-familiar pattern, the pandemic did not create this change; it merely revealed it to those who had not seen it happening already.
That’s not a typo. There are over 16,000 less Black children enrolled in Boston Public Schools than a generation ago. The decrease is shockingly consistent, evident in 19 of the past 20 years.
Black student enrollment accounts for the near entirety of all BPS enrollment decline since 2002.
A district within a district, a collective of Black children, the size of Lynn Public Schools, is no longer enrolled here.
Where did the children go?
1. The decline may not be as large as it appears.
This data comes with a big asterisk. Changes and limitations in the ways families can self-identify race (e.g., the creation of a “multi-racial” option) could result in undercounting. There is also a small number of Boston children enrolled in charters outside of Boston (and vice versa).
Important notes, but likely do not match the scale of this shift.
2. The Black population in Boston has decreased.
The 2020 census confirmed a trend many had already observed: the number of Black residents in Boston has declined. Household sizes and birth rates have declined and there are also less school children.
Housing costs are a potential driver; the Boston Black wealth gap is well-documented.
Whatever the causes are, it is not unique to Boston - more than a quarter of a million Black children have left Chicago. Politico just launched a series to examine this shift across ten cities.
3. Enrollment in charter schools is a factor.
Two things are true: there are less Black children living in the city of Boston, and there are less Black families choosing to enroll in BPS.
METCO and out-of-district enrollment and private school enrollment are nearly 50% of their size in 2002 (although that trend has leveled off in recent years). Homeschooling is up, but represents a very small number.
That leaves Boston’s charters.
A significant number of Boston Black families have chosen to enroll their children in charter schools (Commonwealth and Horace Manns).
With the charter cap in place, these numbers are unlikely to change that much, assuming demand remains the same.
Significant - this accounts for about one-third of the BPS Black enrollment decline. But overall departure from the city appears to be the driving factor (~11,000 children).
For years, there have been many public commitments and initiatives announced by the city of Boston and BPS to address racial equity. The data above is an indicator. And it raises two potentially uncomfortable questions for our leaders:
Can we truly say the city of Boston is making progress in racial equity if its Black residents cannot or choose not to remain Boston residents?
Can a city credibly claim progress on addressing racial and opportunity gaps if Boston’s Black families will not enroll in its schools?
Reopening Boston, MA and Beyond
For the second week in a row, the state reported the greatest number of COVID cases reported for students and staff (last week’s numbers were higher, but covered two weeks). With the increased cases and a potential winter surge coming, it is very important that schools, districts, and the state get testing right.
Vaccination rates for 5-11 year olds have begun to wane, with only 35% of children in that age band receiving their first shot (the rate is ~ 27% in Boston).
Nevertheless, the trial run for no masks in Hopkinton appears to be working (it helps that the local teen vaccination rate is 95+%). More on the mask question from the Student Dispatch.
A national survey is showing historically low job satisfaction among principals - will this lead to turnover? Early childcare is already feeling labor shortages.
Some cities are shortening school weeks. Closures are being considered in New Orleans. New York City is requiring vaccination for 5-11 year olds, and is also the latest school district to create special admissions to create diverse student populations.
Other Matters
The first hearing for a potential move back to an elected school committeewas held this week. City Councilors and advocates weighed in.
A Boston city employee, who racially insulted school children, has his job back due to arbitration.
The second case in the past year concerning public dollars for religiously affiliated schools was heard before the Supreme Court this week.
Proven science instruction in Massachusetts gets a shout out.
Big progress and national attention for Boston Arts Academy’s new building. Congratulations to Anne Clark and the BAA team.
