Education

In the city's public schools, test scores are climbing, charter schools are opening all the time, and facilities are being upgraded. But the population of the schools is overwhelmingly African-American. The head of one charter school network says it takes a long time to break old patterns.

In the city's public schools, test scores are climbing, charter schools are opening all the time, and facilities are being upgraded. But the population of the schools is overwhelmingly African-American. The head of one charter school network says it takes a long time to break old patterns.

For many children of New Orleans, their world was turned upside down five years ago when Katrina swept through the city. Since their return, one misfit became a star, while another teen struggles to get the attention he needs. Meanwhile, the school system continues undergoing major changes.

For many children of New Orleans, their world was turned upside down five years ago when Katrina swept through the city. Since their return, one misfit became a star, while another teen struggles to get the attention he needs. Meanwhile, the school system continues undergoing major changes.

As presidential candidates Barack Obama and John McCain throw the final verbal punches at each other, one student sees a similar phenomenon at her small high school. Her classmates won't be able to cast votes this election, but that's not stopping these students in a hotly-contested state from having some heated encounters.

As presidential candidates Barack Obama and John McCain throw the final verbal punches at each other, one student sees a similar phenomenon at her small high school. Her classmates won't be able to cast votes this election, but that's not stopping these students in a hotly-contested state from having some heated encounters.