S.O.S.- Save Our Schools

Mrs. Arnott also cites political ideologies as the driving force behind the charter school initiative. May I suggest to all who hold this view of charter schools that the few charter schools which may be driven by political ideologies offer nonetheless unparalleled education to their students and are more beneficial to American students than the countless public schools which fail at the basic education of their students? Multiple reports have been conducted studying the various motives of charter schools invariably the same results were found. The National Parent Teacher Association published one such study stating, “Most charter schools say they attract parents and students by focusing on academics … Charter schools tend to focus on one or a combination of the following themes in seeking to attract students–a quality academic program with high standards, a supportive environment often based on small school size, a flexible approach to educational and cultural programming, or, in sharp contrast, a highly structured environment,” (Charter Schools). Nearly all claims of political biases are unsubstantiated assertions of opinion. In contrast the evidence of the positive, politically neutral, education received from this nation’s charter schools is not only liberally available but overwhelmingly indisputable.

Arnott describes charter schools as “elitist” and “anti-democratic” but once again these accusations are hollow and unfounded. Charter schools cater to a wide variety of interests and income levels. Lisa Snell published an article in Reason magazine that gave an example of charter school SUCCESS in the San Francisco Bay area. The Bay Area boast one of the nation’s most energized charter school systems in the country. Many schools to choose from and the schools furnish a wide variety of curriculum. San Francisco utilizes a “per-student-funding” method. The schools in the region are allotted an amount of money for each child enrolled in their school. Contrary to Arnott’s proposal of elitism more money is given to help low-income students, poor performers, et cetera than the academic geniuses of the school (Snell).

Arnott suggests that if the government allocated public schools a similar amount of funding, they would be able to produce similar results to charter schools without the negative effects. This argument quickly fades under close scrutiny. If public schools were to receive the same funding as charter schools receive, they would still be bound by the restrictions placed upon them by the legislation governing public schools. In traditional public schools curriculum is firm, unchangeable by the school, and mandated by each state’s office of education. While public schools would be able to provide old curriculum more effectively with more money they could never reach the caliber of charter schools because traditional schools are held to such prohibitive standards. Could Arnott actually be proposing that all public schools become charter schools? This is how her argument appears under closer analysis.

As a student of a charter school I have felt the difference between the type of education received in an advanced setting and the education received in a regular high school. Traditional schools are quickly becoming synonymous with social events, not with places of learning. Conversely, at the charter school I attend the class sizes are typically small, the teachers are knowledgeable about their subjects, and the focus is aimed on learning instead of social events. Additionally, I am also allowed to pursue live college classes at my pleasure and financial ability.

During the first year that SUCCESS Academy was operating, the student body elected me student body President. I worked closely with the administration of my school and saw the difficulties that lack of start-up funds can cause. Without help charter schools will continue to struggle and be kept from their fullest potential. On the other hand, if funding is granted to charter schools the possibilities for public education will continue to increase and the barriers to a wholesome education will be broken down. Charter schools are public education’s last stand. If charter schools are funded adequately, they will succeed. It is time for the politicians to put their money where their campaign speeches are and increase both funding for and availability of charter schools.