Over the last several weeks, the dialogue in Chicago has centered on "saving schools" instead of where it belongs -- on "saving students."
Last week, more than 7,500 parents and students from Chicago came to the New Schools Expo in search of quality school options. While it's encouraging families came out in droves demanding better schools, it also sheds light on the harsh reality that there are not enough quality education options in the neighborhoods that need them most.
As a child of two CPS teachers and a product of the system, I know first-hand that there are some great neighborhood schools. But I also know that there is an unfair geographic distribution and that too often the quality of a child's education is defined by their zip code.
Simply put, there are not enough great public schools in Chicago -- period. Our city needs more high-performing magnet, selective-enrollment, charter, turnaround and neighborhood schools in communities of highest need. Regardless of the school model, we need to support what works. There is room for all involved in education to succeed. Until that happens, Chicago's children will not.
As education options become increasingly important, it's critical parents and students understand what charter schools are, and just as important, what they are not.
Charter schools are free, public schools with open enrollment that serve neighborhood students. Most importantly, they are preparing students for college, careers and success in life. Teachers make no excuses; neither do students. Everyone is held accountable. Charters are opening doors that were previously closed, and truly transforming the public education system in Chicago. And as evidenced by the 19,000 applicants on charter waiting lists, we know that our work is far from over. We must work together to give families the options they so richly deserve.
In a city where half of our kids drop-out, we need every public school to deliver, no matter what kind of school it is. Only then can we truly start "saving students."
http://nces.ed.gov/nationsreportcard/pubs/studies/2006460.asp
http://nces.ed.gov/nationsreportcard/studies/charter/2005456.asp
Last I checked, and every time I check, the data on charter schools show that they're not exactly a "Superman" solution. At best, they're not doing any worse than public schools. At worst, they're lagging behind public schools and discriminating against "bad" students via "creaming and cropping" (different study). In both cases they're bleeding much-needed funding away from our public school system. Like a freaking fiscal tapeworm.
And what do we hear from charter schools? Over and over again, what is the rhetoric? What is the defense? How do they justify their existence?:
"Think of the children!"
Marketing passed off as passion. Platitudes are the new advertisements. Despicable.
I do think there needs to be more accountability in place. I think charter school associates need to explain why (with all that 'passion' and 'dedication') they can't manage to beat public school scores. And why, if they're so proud of the work they've done, they never present the data to back up the claims made their marketing campaign?
Here are a few things that I saw that worked :
Parent report card. That's right, you were graded on your participation and involvement of your child's development. If a parent is under performing then the school and ask the parents to come and see what they can do to help and resolve the situation.
Mandatory parent enrichment programs. Sessions that are on helpful topics, the schools math methodology, reading and how to help student embrace it and give parents tip for home, nutrition, and so on.
Reevaluate teacher’s. For the teachers that are under performing. Let’s keep them, and retrain them. That way we keep the knowledge and skill and improve the existing skill set. If they continue to under perform then you can let them go. For the teachers that are out there doing it right. Let’s reward them with bonuses. If wall street can reward their people so can we. Give them something to work towards and reward them for building America’s future. That’s worth paying for…priceless.
Most schools class rooms are to large. We really need to bring the cap back down to 15 -20 students per class. Teacher can really zone in and give that personalized care.
Administration and salary check. Where are we spending our money and why. They need to be accountable in this area as well.
Sorry, no chace.
Don't they charge all sorts of fees? Like if you're a bad boy or you got an F? Don't they plan on charging many many more as they continue to siphon students from the FREE public schools?
As soon as the money runs out, interest will wane.
Utopia, I tell ya.
Oopsie ..... you left out the key player.
PARENTS make no excuses.
Show me a school where PARENTS make no excuses, I'll show you a top performing school.
It's not rocket science.