Why I Support Charter Schools

Dr. Wendy Ghiora – February 4, 2014 – Posting #120

 

We know it’s possible to create amazing schools where:

•All children can learn when they are given access to a calm, supportive, structured and safe environment where learning and accomplishment are valued above all else

•Students from underperforming school districts—no matter their disadvantages—can reach the same level of academic success as their peers in more affluent districts when exposed to a rich and rigorous educational experience

•Charter-school leaders engage parents from the poorest neighborhoods to an incredible level of enthusiasm and effort

•Teachers can bring forth astonishing achievements from our children—when they are given training, freedom, support, and the discipline of a school-wide behavior system

•It doesn’t have to cost more money. In fact, most charter schools educate kids for significantly less than we’re currently paying

   We know this because of the statistical evidence: high-performing charter schools help kids catch up and then far exceed their peers. They deliver learning that’s worthy of every child.

   Having been a principal of a charter school in San Diego County, I can confirm the above is true. Of course, as in everything, the success of each individual school depends a lot on its leadership.  With strong leadership and the strength of the entire learning community, Charter Schools offer an excellent choice in education, not only for the disadvantaged, but for the creative children that thrive in an innovative school, where learning is meaningful and fun.