In my work across the state of Alabama, I have noticed when the subject of “charter schools” is brought up, there’s a lot of misconceptions about what they are and who they actually serve. I immediately find myself having to dispel the myths and untruths about them.
This week, the Black Alliance for Educational Options (BAEO) and education reform organizations all over the country are celebrating National Charter School Week. In honor of that, I’d like to take a moment to explain why I support charter schools, and why I think you should too.
Charter schools are unique public schools that are allowed the freedom to be more innovative while being held accountable for advancing student achievement. Because they are public schools, they are open to all children; do not charge tuition; and do not have special entrance requirements. Charter schools were created to help improve our nation’s public school system and offer parents another public school option to better meet their child’s specific needs. Successful charter schools in other states have taken advantage of the freedom they are afforded to extend the school day to provide more time on task; adjust the curriculum to meet students’ needs; create a distinctive culture or special theme; and develop groundbreaking learning models that redefine the classroom and reflect the latest research on effective teacher training. Like other public schools, charters are funded by local, state and federal tax dollars based on enrollment; and they are open to anyone who wishes to enroll.
I will not make the case that charter schools are a one-size-fits-all solution to the educational challenges of our state. Charter schools come with challenges, and I would never argue they would solve all the issues Alabama’s public education system faces. However, studies have shown that charter schools work for children when they are carefully and thoughtfully planned and implemented with fidelity and with high expectations.
There are scores of examples of great charter schools that are doing amazing things in the world of education. They inspire our best and brightest educators to design and operate schools for children who traditionally have been underserved in the traditional public school system. Charter schools have particularly created new educational pathways for low-income and working-class families who otherwise may have been stuck in failing schools.
Charter schools serve the primary purpose of inspiring innovation in education as well as offering members of the community an alternative choice in how their children are educated. Instead of low-income and working class families being trapped in schools they’re zoned for, charter schools offer an added option for parents to select if they’re not satisfied with the public school their child would otherwise attend.
When it comes to educational options, there are two questions any community needs to ask itself. Should families be forced to go to a failing or inadequate school without an alternative? And should a child’s zip code determine the quality of education they receive?
To both of these questions, my answer is no. I hope yours is too.
Duncan Kirkwood
State Director
Alabama Black Alliance for Educational Options
