CHARTER ACCOUNTABILITY - AN OXYMORON
I'm re-posting this blog by Dr. Diane Ravitch because the story is an example of the real-life problem with TOO MANY charters. The charter movement - which is simply a movement toward privatization of our public school system - has grown with such zeal and unregulated speed that AUTONOMY, touted as one of the major components of charters that allowed them to be "innovative," has become a negative rather than a positive.
I have sat through too many BESE meetings where charters, mostly new unproven start-ups, have been given rubber stamp approval based on NACSA (National Association of Charter School Authorizers)highly questionable recommendations. Nevermind that a simple google search would inform the public that a great deal of caution should be exercised in relying on this pro-charter organization that is paid so well by LDOE with taxpayer money to pass on the advisability of allowing these companies to be put in charge of the welfare of our children.
I have sat through too many BESE meetings where charters, mostly new unproven start-ups, have been given rubber stamp approval based on NACSA (National Association of Charter School Authorizers)highly questionable recommendations. Nevermind that a simple google search would inform the public that a great deal of caution should be exercised in relying on this pro-charter organization that is paid so well by LDOE with taxpayer money to pass on the advisability of allowing these companies to be put in charge of the welfare of our children.