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In reply to the discussion: Dear Mrs. Romney, SHUT THE HELL UP [View all]Wait Wut
(8,492 posts)Yes, there are situations when I think a charter school may be best for some students. My son probably would have benefitted. He had a hard time in public schools up until high school and I couldn't afford a private school. A friend's daughter went to a charter school after having a horrible time in public school and now she's working towards her college degree. However, she went to an exceptional charter. There needs to be more oversight at charters to ensure that all charters produce what they promise.
BUT!!!
What Ann is suggesting is eliminating public schools. How about we address the problems with public schools such as overcrowding, out-of-date curriculum, poor nutrition, too few teachers, bored students AND teachers and lack of interest from parents? No. It's easier to blame the unions. It is fiscally impossible to expect charter schools to take the load of all public schools and it is completely unnecessary. We need to even the playing field and make sure that the urban schools are receiving the same attention as the suburban schools. Public schools still offer more than a charter in many ways. Diversity in curriculum, extracurricular activities (let's focus on more than just sports!) and I also believe it helps develop a sense of responsibility more than a charter.
Charter schools have become demons on DU only because too many aren't seeing the benefits to students who need a more structured one-on-one experience. On the other side, public schools have become the demons. The problem is, the people who are demonizing teachers, unions and public schools are the same people who caused the inequality in education that we have today. We need to stop arguing about this crap and start working together to improve our schools, both public and charter. It's about the kids.