Vote No On Charter Schools | Letters

White, billionaires want to control the education of poor people. Currently $8.3 million has been spent on the promotion of charter schools in Washington state. Why?

To make a profit, for excitement and fun, for power, for a feeling of self-righteousness, for a chance to be a do-gooder?

Numerous studies have proven that charter schools, on average, don’t do a better job of educating than regular public schools. Stanford University conducted a study that shows only one in five charter schools are more successful than a public school. The rest are the same or worse. It is foolhardy to replace a public school, with a community that supports it, for a privately controlled school that is probably no better and possibly worse and accountable only to their own, high paid directors.

Only about 1/3 of charter school teachers remain teaching after two years. Most teachers don’t begin to develop into a good teacher until their third year. Charter schools dramatically underserve or discourage children with special needs, second language learners, children in homeless or foster care situations, and those that get free or reduced lunch. Yes, this is discrimination. Public schools are open to all.

Poverty is the main cause of poor academic achievement. This has just recently been documented with the results of the SAT tests that show scores rising in stair step increments with the increase of household income. When we are willing to attack the problem of poverty, we will see children able to learn. Until childhood poverty, an increase in household income, and health care for all is tackled, education for all will not happen.

Judy Fay
Arlington

 

Comment on this story.

COMMENTING RULES: We encourage an open exchange of ideas in our online community, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. In a nutshell, don't say anything you wouldn't want your mother to read. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.