The terms “under-enrolled” and “chronically low achieving,” as discussed in a report by the Fordham Institute and a Courier Journal article about possibly closing eight JCPS schools, can be interpreted in different ways. The author initially sees “under-enrolled” as an opportunity, envisioning smaller class sizes that could lead to more individualized attention, collaborative learning, and improved instruction, particularly in reading and math. While smaller classes are often linked to higher-quality teaching and better student outcomes, the author believes this potential can only be realized if the opportunity is properly seized and used to improve the situation.
