There’s been a one-sided conversation that lawmakers know what’s in the best interest for a unique group of learners. Assemblyman Kevin McCarty and the California Federation of Teachers insinuate that public charter schools are ripping off taxpayers and students.
Unfortunately, Mr. McCarty and his union backers would rather attack the charter movement than address the “failure factories” of the current public education system. Their motives are thin – protecting union jobs and discrediting a solution working for thousands of unique students throughout California. By demonizing “for-profit” they fail to realize the strength in the education marketplace. If parents aren’t happy with academic outcomes, they will leave the school. It’s a real simple concept and the reason charters are flourishing in under-served communities.
That’s why California Parents for Public Virtual Education, a non-profit parent volunteer organization, is alerting charter school families throughout the state about Assembly Bill 406. It’s time that lawmakers trust parents — and support public education options specifically addressing our students’ academic, personal and social needs.
Here’s what parents care about – reassurance their LGBTQ child is learning in a bully-free environment, their chronically-ill child is attending a whole day of instruction free from a health scare, or their gifted-learner can map out a lesson plan which is best suited for his/her academic goals. At the end of the day, parents are choosing charter schools that are successfully working for their student.
For online charters, technology makes this possible – but it doesn’t mean students are lacking measurement standards, opportunities for socialization or personal support from teachers. Virtual students are partnered with teachers who meet with them and help track their progress, and group activities are arranged throughout the school year, including community days, field trips and club projects.
Academic standards for online schools are just as high as those at other public schools. Our teachers are state-certified, and student academic progress is rigorously monitored by state education officials.
But Mr. McCarty, on the other hand, is choosing to ignore what works best for these students nor consider current data illustrating substantial progress of each charter school. Worse yet, Mr. McCarty has failed to reach out to any parents for feedback. An April statewide survey by J. Wallin Opinion Research found 82.9 percent of Californians said lawmakers first should listen to students, parents and teachers before closing specific charter schools. It’s quite evident that taxpayers trust parents to make the right decision.
So we’re calling on parents throughout the state to voice strong opposition to Assembly Bill 406. We won’t stand for lawmakers arbitrarily deciding what’s in the best interest of our students. We need to stop the special interest assault on charter schools and the unique student populations they serve.
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