Jersey Jazzman: Know Your Charter Reviewers

Jersey Jazzman: Know Your Charter Reviewers:

Know Your Charter Reviewers

by Duke

I always find it funny when reformy types insist that charters are public schools. If they were, you'd think the people who review charter applications would have lots of experience in public education and running public schools.

In New Jersey, you'd be wrong. From NJ Parents Against Gov. Christie's School Budget Cuts [all emphases mine]:

The reviewers' "range of experiences" seems to include very little in the way of education experience, very much in the way of charter advocacy, charter founders, education consultancy, business, administration, etc. In fact, the only teaching experience I found was one student teacher.

IMPORTANT NOTE: THIS INFORMATION IS NOT FACT-CHECKED. I have not independently ascertained that the

Islands of Sanity

by Duke

In a sea of reforminess. Start with a reasonable take on charter schools:

I find it interesting that some very influential people have come out in support of the expansion of charter schools in our state, including Gov. Chris Christie, Mayor Corey Booker of Newark, and Reginald Jackson, director of the Black Ministers Council of New Jersey.

I attempted to view charter schools as a valued educational initiative, as I wanted to believe that these folks knew what they are doing as they appeared to have a solid track record of accomplishment. But then two things happened. The first was that I began to do some research on charter schools in New Jersey, and secondly, good common sense kicked in.

Charter schools are often viewed as a way for many children, especially those from “low performing schools” to receive a “better” education, with many parents embracing the idea. Education is often a great equalizer in our society, regardless of