(cont'd from yesterday's post)
Easy to see why charter schools have waiting lists of hopeful families. Their student bodies are no richer or whiter than students at NY traditional public schools, but their test scores are significantly better.
Economist Thomas Sowell says there are a million families all over the country on waiting lists. Why must they wait? Since it's well known which schools are best for student learning, there should be many new charter schools popping up as well as increasing capacity for the ones now operating.
But, no. The frustrated Dr. Sowell says that "dirty tricks" are used to "sabotage" charter schools. Some states put a limit on how many charter schools they will allow, by law. In some cities, empty school buildings are sold to developers with a provision that they will never again be used as a school.
Who is wielding this kind of political power? School boards and teachers' unions financially support willing politicians. Lots of jobs and money would leave the traditional system if those million students got out of it and into charter schools.
Dr. Sowell thinks minority students are held back not by racism but rather by "plain old selfishness on the part of traditional public school officials and teachers unions protecting their own vested interests."
One hallmark of charter schools is parental investment, beginning with the deliberate proactivity of pursuing a better choice if the local default proves inadequate. Often there is a commitment of travel and often smaller schools creates more connectivity for both the student and parent. All of these things elevate the expectations and importance of the school experience. From day one the student knows that an effort has been made on their behalf, and now it’s their turn to multiply the investment. Dr. Sowell is right. The lack of selflessness on the part of school officials and unions is disappointing as the overall result of charter schools has been highly impressive.
ReplyDeleteWell said. Schools exist to educate students effectively. More successful schools draw students, as they should. When government intentionally obstructs this, that's a problem.
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