The attack of the Walmartians: Part I: The Wild, Wild, World of Charter Schools – Let’s get Something Straight!
By Thomas J. Fiala
The unregulated world of charter schools is about to get another boost if the current ECAA is put into law. We already know how most of our senators and congressional leaders feel about the ECAA, and in this case, charter school expansion and increased funding. Many of us have had to engage supporters of charter schools who are always ready to point out that “not all charters are the same,” and of course, their claim that the charter schools they do endorse are taking the right approach to helping students who are being harmed by those nasty public schools.
Now I want to get this straight from the outset, before you read any farther. I unabashedly support America’s democratic system of public education, regardless of whether a public school is governed by a locally elected school board or a school board appointed by a mayor. Understand, however, that I do not support the process per se for any mayor appointing a school board. This is a bad idea that is being shown again and again to be the wrong approach to meeting the educational needs of communities, large and small. For example, if Chicago is not the poster child for using Rahm Emanuel’s power to destroy public schools, while he sends his children to an elite private school, then I am certainly open to other contenders for the poster. I like a city or any other type community having to elect their public school governing board. This fact alone is going to be foundational in understanding my concerns about the charter onslaught that is increasingly pillaging our public schools across the nation.
First and foremost, charter schools are a scam for those individuals, wittingly or not, who support the neoliberal Friedmanomic educational notions of voucher and choice that circumvent the public school educational process, which has historically been a positive part of our democratic fabric and still needed today. But let’s get down to the nitty gritty as to why charters are problematic in the very least, while an overwhelming number are simply despicable. But first and foremost, I am not going to buy the corporate pro-charter line used by many charter start up supporters that goes like this:
Sure I support public schools, but until public schools solve all their problems, then I am going to proceed with creating my idea of what a charter school is supposed to look like! I know charters have problems but so do public schools!
Now for those pro-charter folks using this line, I am going to school you a little – or maybe a lot! First and foremost, the wonderful and courageous part about our public schools is that they nobly take on the challenges facing the United States. These schools reflect the larger society, and all the wonderful aspects of that society – and all the ills of that society. Our public schools DO NOT require a student and parent to sign a contract that has requirements and rules that if violated means that the student can rather easily be removed and then – of course – be sent back to the good old public school! So, let me be straight with anyone reading this. If your charter school requires a contract signed by a parent and child, and if that contract states The attack of the Walmartians: Part I: The Wild, Wild, World of Charter Schools – Let’s get Something Straight! | Public Schools Central:
