Taking Issue: Charter Schools as Public-School Reform

taking issuE

Read the brief introduction below, as well as the Question and the pros and cons list that follows. then, answer the question using your own words and position.

charter schooLs as PubLic-schooL reforM

as the pressure for school choice increases, so has the public’s desire for greater participation in its schools. the obama administration and Secretary of Education Duncan have provided funds for charter schools as an avenue for school choice and a way to spur reform.

Question

Should local boards of education continue to support charter schools as a better way to educate students? (think about this question as you read the PRo and con arguments listed here. What is your response to this issue?)

Arguments PRo

1. charter schools provide an alternative vision of schooling that is not realized in the traditional public-school system.

2. charter schools have increased autonomy from state and local school district regulations. 3. Special populations of students may be better served by charter schools.

4. Students, teachers, and parents participate by choice and are committed to making charter schools work; true collaboration is possible. teachers are given freedom to craft the curriculum in creative ways, as long as standards are met. 5. charter schools are generally smaller and more manageable in size. 6. Parental involvement and overall communication are increased in charter schools. there is a sense of community among stakeholders.

Arguments CoN

1. accountability goals frequently are not clearly spelled out by sponsors in charter schools, leading to misunderstanding and confusion as to their mission. 2. State and federal regulations still apply to charter schools and tend to restrain their independence. 3. charter schools often receive inadequate funding for start-up and operating expenses, especially if they serve special populations that require high expenditures. 4. charter schools have difficulty finding staff, and there is high teacher attrition.

5. charter schools tend to “skim” the more talented students for admission, thus ignoring more challenging students. 6. Insufficient planning time for charter school boards, principals, and staff makes for management and communication problems later on.

Question Reprise: What Is Your Stand?

Reflect again on the following question by explaining your stand about this issue: Should local boards of education continue supporting charter schools?

community schools When the school

is seen as only one of the educational agencies within the community, and the school serves as a partner, or coordinating agency, in providing educational, health, social, family support, recreational, and cultural activities to the community. accountability are negotiated. Charter school administrators agree to meet prescribed accountability standards; if they fail to do so, the charter is revoked, and the school is closed.31 See the Taking Issue box for a discussion of the pros and cons of charter schools.

Community Schools Since the early 1980s, the school has come to be seen as only one of several educational agencies within the community. Under this concept—called community schools—the school serves as a partner, or coordinating agency, in providing educational, health, social, family support, recreational, and cultural activities to the community. Such concentrated efforts are designed to not only increase student achievement but to also provide a safe and supportive environment where the whole

31National School Boards Association, “Frequently Asked Questions – What are Charter Schools?” at www.nsba.org/about-us/frequently-asked-questions (January 21, 2015).