Who’s Afraid of the Charter Schools?
April 8, 2009Apparently the United Federation of Teachers. They went to great effort to distribute talking points to those asking questions about charters - City Council members. Why try to exert such undue influence? What is there to fear? Charter schools offer a legitimate and appropriate education for many students. Many thrive, conferring great educational benefits and advantages to students who would otherwise not have such opportuities. Some fail and need to be held accountable for their inability to deliver. The facts and the evidence and opinions and testimony presented at public hearing should be diverse enough to tell an entire story, including the critiques and areas of improvement as well as those efforts and achievements that deserve to be lauded. But what is there to gain by diminishing the competition? It is not a tactic that usually works well, as it always begs the question of “What are you hiding?”
we are so not on the same page when it comes to charter schools! which really surprises me… because i feel charter schools are a huge step backwards when it comes to equity
In many, many communities, charter schools are a great solution for students who are not being served or are being inequitably served. In our particular community, I think they would be a disservice to equity goals, but not every community is alike. They are a good tool to have where appropriate.