2 of 2

Yes

Write now Article Tools

Nothing lasting or worthwhile has come of non-competitive institutions. Whether in the field of science, politics or, education. Competition, is what produces results in any environment. Competition in a completley free market is the greatest equalizer. What motivation does a low performing school have to improve? Other than potential closeure they have none. Since those children must be educated somewhere, it is clear that even the closing of a school will only lead to working at a different school. However, if a charter school is an option to partents who have children in low performing school, then what do they have to lose? They stand to lose nothing and gain a better education for their children. The state of Arizon is at the forefront of the charter school movment. A full quarter of all charter school are in that state. The effect is that the test scores of the public school system have a ctually improved due to the competition. Charter school are no longer limiting themselves to one state. Charter school systems such as KIPP school are in fourteen states now and expanding. All of their schools are in low socio-economic areas. They have recived a great deal of positive press at the national level.

I am sure there are examples of rouge charter schools that just waste the money, and do not educate the children, there are also several notable of examples of charter schools that have stepped up to provide great free public education in areas that the public school system was lackluster, to put it nicley. Why be afraid of risk? Why take the chance that a better way of doing things is possible. Our schools are not underfunded they are institutionalized, and in that institutialization they are fat and complacent with our childrens education. Knowledge is power, but so is choice.

The question is how long with the powers that be resist the the change for the better, stand in the way of progress? How long will they turn away from the clear fact that our urban public education system is not functional? They cry foul, and have been for years, any time scores are low the anwser is to throw more money at the problem. I work in public education and let me make somthing clear, MONEY IS NOT THE PROBLEM. The problem is makeing excuses for low test scores, not at least dicussing different ways of doing things. For example, more time in class translates to higher test scores. So, lets discuss making the school day longer. How about the possiblility of making the school year longer? How about investing in a great deal more college counseling? These are just a few things but what a difference they have proven to make at the charter schools that have done all these things. A charter school in Houston, TX by the name of YES Prep does all of these things and has a 98% matriculation rate into college for their graduates. Choice and the willingness to break the status quo is what charter schools are about.

Learn more about this author, Ethan Crowell.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Should states allow charter schools??
We want to hear your view. Write now!