Charter schools are not allowed here in Washington State, but we will vote on the issue this fall. (Read the Seattle Times article here.) I wrestle with this issue. On one hand, I would like to see less government bureacracy in my profession. On the other hand, I don't want to substitute the government bureacracy for a corporate one.
I will keep you posted.
for those who believe that teaching is an art as well as a science
I too was torn years ago when charter schools came to our state as they seemed to be "stealing" the best and brightest. As the teachers' association president, I was even vocal against them. However, as more and more of how I taught in the classroom was controlled by the bureaucracy, I knew I had to find something else for myself and also for my youngest child. That led me to a public charter school -- the BEST decision of my career and for my daughter's education. I will never go back to a traditional public school and now know that everything I thought about them before was wrong. Don't always believe everything you are "told" about charter schools.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate you comment. I have this gut feeling that the school is as good as its leadership. I am hoping some strong leaders will start programs that are healthy places for teaching and learning.
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