ONE-D Response from Mr. Tenbusch

Letters Turnaround teamwork can work for schools

The July 28 article regard­ing a school turnaround was disappointing in both its tone and content (“Redesign firms for Detroit schools get mixed grades”). It condemned the four companies selected to redesign low-performing high schools and described one of them as offering “no panacea.” Let’s set the record straight. There has never been, and never will be, a panacea in education.

Turnaround partners, such as the Institute for Student Achievement, have a clear track record in dramatically improving graduation rates and modestly improving achievement scores:

■ Overall, ISA schools maintain a lower than 2% dropout rate.
■ ISA schools demonstrate strong average attendance rates of 91%-93%.
■ Over 70% of students pass their math, English, social studies and science classes.
■ ISA partner schools average a graduation and college going rate higher than 85%.

The article referred to a report I authored (“Meeting the Turnaround Challenge”) that demonstrates the need for turnaround partners to work hand-in-hand with union and school leaders to dramatically alter the status quo in our re­gion’s failing high schools.

This is the focus of our work at the United Way for South­eastern Michigan — in part­nership with others, including union leadership and civic organizations such as the Skill­man Foundation and New Detroit.

We expect Detroit high schools Cody and Osborn, along with three suburban schools United Way is also funding, will ultimately achieve graduation rates higher than 80%.

I salute financial manager Robert Bobb’s commitment to applying best practices that other cities have done across the nation to their advantage.

I regret that the Detroit Free Press failed to provide bal­anced coverage on an issue so critical to our region’s future. Michael Tenbusch Vice president for educational preparedness, United Way for Southeastern Michigan

Many shameful years

I loved comments by Detroit Board of Education President Carla Scott about the school board drawing a line on provid­ing a substandard education to the children. What does she think has been happening in Detroit Public Schools for the past 30 years? The board should all resign in shame.

George Neack Brighton