NPE board member Julian Vasquez Heilig to participate in IQ2US debate
Charter Schools Are Overrated
In the 25 years since Minnesota passed the first charter school law, these publicly funded but privately operated schools have become a highly sought-after alternative to traditional public education, particularly for underserved students in urban areas. Between 2004 and 2014 alone, charter school enrollment increased from less than 1 million to 2.5 million students. Many charter schools boast of high test scores, strict academic expectations, and high graduation rates, and for some, their growth is evidence of their success. But have these schools lived up to their promise? Opponents argue that charters, which are subject to fewer regulations and less oversight, lack accountability, take much-needed resources from public schools, and pick and choose their student body. Are charter schools overrated?
The Debaters
For the motion
Gary Miron
Professor, College of Education, Western Michigan University
Gary Miron is Professor in Evaluation, Measurement, and Research at Western Michigan University. He has extensive experience evaluating school… Read More
Julian Vasquez Heilig
Professor, Sacramento State & Founding Board Member, Network for Public Education
Julian Vasquez Heilig is an award-winning teacher, researcher, and blogger. He is currently a professor of educational leadership and policy studies… Read More
Against the motion
Jeanne Allen
Founder & CEO, The Center for Education Reform
Jeanne Allen has been on the front lines of education policy development and innovation for more than 30 years. She served for five years at the Department… Read More
Gerard Robinson
Resident Fellow, AEI & Former Florida Commissioner of Education
Gerard Robinson is a resident fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, where he works on education policy issues including choice in public and… Read More