Charter Schools Are Overrated
Topics: Education, U.S.
Public Release Date: March 01, 2017
In the 25 years since Minnesota passed the first charter school law, these publicly funded but privately operated schools have become a highly sought-after alternative to traditional public education, particularly for underserved students in urban areas. Between 2004 and 2014 alone, charter school enrollment increased from less than 1 million to 2.5 million students. Many charter schools boast of high test scores, strict academic expectations, and high graduation rates, and for some, their growth is evidence of their success. But have these schools lived up to their promise?
Opponents argue that charters, which are subject to fewer regulations and less oversight, lack accountability, take much-needed resources from public schools, and pick and choose their student body.
Are charter schools overrated?
ARGUING YES:
Gary Miron: Professor, College of Education, Western Michigan University
Julian Vasquez Heilig: Professor, Sacramento State & Founding Board Member, Network for Public Education
ARGUING NO:
Jeanne Allen: Founder & CEO, The Center for Education Reform
Gerard Robinson: Resident Fellow, AEI & Former Florida Commissioner of Education
MODERATOR-IN-CHIEF:
John Donvan: Emmy award-winning journalist