'Reaching Out' to the Black Community With a Wagging Finger, a Closed Fist, and an Empty Hand

[bigtree]

30. schools aren't closing because of charters. There are many, many factors behind closing schools

Of all of the complaints about charters, the 'segregated' issue is the most absurd. It's designed to provide a wedge argument, but admission is voluntary. I live near Baltimore and we have several charter schools in predominately black neighborhoods with majority black populations of students which are supported by residents there. There's nothing any more wrong with that than there would be in a white neighborhood. As the charter program stands today, there isn't the negative impact from that tiny fraction of schools that critics warn of. All you can do is wave around the hobgoblin that someone somewhere wants to end public education by promoting charters.

The federal government will never gain control of what schools states and districts choose to set up. Most of the charters are in urban areas where there are funding challenges (bonds rather than the property taxes generated in more residential areas). States are still going to be in control of what types of schools they make available. The federal government can only provide incentives. I think a lot of these urban districts are grateful for the help.