The first deadline for enrolling students next fall in a Boston school is this week. Consequently, many parents are scrambling under the district’s controlled choice system to find the best fit for their children. As they do, many will turn to state-issued ratings, which can be found online and in the BPS registration guide.
Each year, the state classifies schools into one of five levels, with the “highest performing” designated Level 1. This practice, though distinct in its details, is in keeping with what is done in the vast majority of states. The theory behind such rankings, whether devised as numerical scores, A-F grades, or narrative labels, is that parents and communities want a clear and simple indicator of school quality. Unfortunately, there are two inherent flaws that make these levels virtually worthless.