Charter Schools: Controversial System To Offer Parents More Choice And To Apply A Market Economic To Education
By Robert Bacal
It's controversial. In response to criticisms about what is sometimes perceived as a failing school system, some states and provinces in several countries have opened the door for schools to run that allow far more flexibility in how they operate.
The Purpose: Choice For Parents
The main driver of charter schools comes from the desire to offer parents much more choice than exists in public, or even private school systems. At least that's the theory, but as you read the various articles below, that may be more of a theoretical choice than a practical one. Which is one of the "catches" with educational form that often sound good until you move to implementation and find out that people aren't "behaving" they way they "ought to".
Theory: Using Market Economies To Improve Education
The second driver, again in theory, is that if you give parents a choice as to where their children go to school, parents will choose what's best, and thus drive out inferior schools from the market place. That is based on the idea that parents will make INFORMED choices, and even the best intentioned parents have difficulty navigating the school choice options.
Charter School Issues Are Complex
Unfortunately, to understand the realities of charter schools, one has to take the time to look at both sides of the issue, and that, as is the case with a lot of public policy, it may be the case that they benefit some sectors of the population, but not others. There is no simple answer, so for that reason we've created this knowledge base where you can learn more, whether you are a parent, teacher, or policy maker.
Top : Charter Schools :
Controversial efforts to allow increased school choices to parents, charter schools are hotly debated by both teachers, and parents. In this section you'll find pro's and con's, details of different systems and more.
More On The Complexities Of Charter Schools Charter Schools
Charter Schools Failing on Their Promises - by Amy B. DeanOpinion piece suggests no new charter schools should be created because the research shows that they are no more effective, and often less effective than traditional schools. (Views So Far 318 )
Fast Facts About Charter Schools - by Institute of Education Sciences
From the Institute Of Education Sciences comes a brief overview of what charter schools are, plus some links to statistics and state by state information. (Views So Far 310 )
Find a Charter School In Your City - by na
Search engine will help parents and teachers find charter schools in your location. USA only, there are 41 States that offer these educational options. (Views So Far 270 )
NEA Weighs In On Charter Schools And Acknowledges Potential - by NEA
Charter schools are publicly funded elementary or secondary schools that have been freed from some of the rules, regulations, and statutes that apply to other public schools, in exchange for some type of accountability for producing certain results, which are set forth in each charter school's charter. NEA believes that charter schools and other nontraditional public school options have the potential to facilitate education reforms and develop new and creative teaching methods that can be replicated in traditional public schools for the benefit of all children. Whether charter schools will fulfill this potential depends on how charter schools are designed and implemented, including the oversight and assistance provided by charter authorizers. (Views So Far 318 )
News 2014:Charter schools axed by Mayor de Blasio: pro and con - by DANIQUE LOVING , DANIEL DROMM
Discussion of New York Mayor's announcement on charter schools: Excerpt: De Blasio announced Thursday he was axing three planned charter schools operated by Success Academy, and charter school advocates plan to march in Albany to protest that move. A charter school principal argues de Blasio is working against kids' education and safety. A Queens councilman responds that Success Academy's CEO is using kids as pawns in her effort to privatize public schools and get rich. (Views So Far 285 )
Parents: Charter School Pros and Cons And Making Choices - by Erin Dower
If charter schools are available in your state or province, how can you determine if attending one might benefit your child? Here are some answers if you are thinking about broadening your choices. (Views So Far 286 )
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