Charter Schools

As I become more disciplined writing this blog, I find loose ends pop up. I use random thoughts to augment commentary, but sometimes those random ideas deserve their own attention. I’d like to give them their due. So here goes.

Are Charter Schools a right of democracy? Or a tool of discrimination?

A part of the much more complicated education discussion, charter schools are a creative tool to repair a faulty education system wherever that condition exists. Many charter schools have performed with breathtaking excellence. The lives of their students have been forever changed for the better. But some have underperformed; some might say they have failed in spectacular fashion. It all depends on the conditions that give cause for their establishment, and who are the inventive people managing the specific school.

The controversies connected with charter schools in general include these:

·         The resources committed to them are taken from ailing education systems which need those same resources; we are only making the existing system weaker

·         Charter schools can be used for social experimentation that is unacceptable to people with sensitive ideologies

·         Some people fear charter schools are private schools paid for with public monies

·         A charge of discrimination is murmured by some; what is the ethnic or socio economic bracket being served?

·         Are charter schools parochial schools in disguise?

First of all charter schools are controlled and supervised by the structures set up by the laws that govern them in the state where they reside. These schools are funded from public resources but are also eligible to receive funds from other sources provided they do not distort their mission or the statutory provisions under which they operate. Think corporate sponsorships, foundation bequests and grants. Parents have unique opportunities to participate in the educational program at charter schools; these opportunities are better than in public schools although parents should but often don’t get involved with their public schools.

If the schools are properly monitored they will likely not fall victim to excesses and fears expressed in the above list of controversies. Like any enterprise we must inspect what we expect to ensure desired results are being produced.

Second, charter schools are an attempt to truly invent new and effective educational methods. If they work reliably they will be adopted by public schools thus improving them exponentially, Think of this as a ‘research and development’ effort. If we want better schools we have to be willing to try new things and invest appropriate resources.

Third, sensitive ideologies almost always get in the way of good people trying to do good things. “Social experimentation” is a too-general charge to deal with in the context of charter schools. Monitoring and supervising charter schools should do the job to deter injurious experimenting. Education is the focus. What helps a child learn? What methods provide the freedom to the individual child so he/she can take charge of their innate abilities and curiosities so they learn effectively? And will this extend naturally to other areas of inquiry throughout his or her education? Lifelong?

Fourth, touchy issues like religion, parochial education, and ‘private’ versus public schooling, are empty canards. With proper management and supervision these concerns should be eliminated from our concerns. It pays, however, to check on them!

Fifth, serving different populations of students can be a legitimate role of charter schools IF those target populations are suffering from ineffective educational results. We must as a society pursue equal access and effectiveness of education for our people. If we don’t, too many children will be left behind. That will haunt our conscience AND ability to meet the future with all of our abilities.

It is in our best interest that each person has the tools to make the most of their life. We are better for it. We benefit from the strengths and achievements of each person. It adds to the dynamic weight of our society.

Why aim for anything less?

NOTE: For more information on this issue and its many facets, please Google ‘charter schools’ and be prepared for a vast array of material. The NEA (National Education Association) has a good section on defining the subject, and goes on to articulate NEA’s policy on charter schools. Other sources are available to peruse. A balanced perspective on this issue is readily available if you spend some time researching it.

December 15, 2011