RELIGIOUS CHARTER SCHOOLS - OXYMORON?
Charter schools and religious institutions: A match made in heaven? More like a match made in the land of oxymorons. How can we possibly have religious charter schools? Isn't that like having a vegetarian steakhouse? Or a dry water park? It just doesn't make sense.
But here we are, in a world where one person's mythology is another person's religion, and somehow, we're supposed to navigate this tricky terrain. And let's not forget the American value of separation of church and state. So how do we reconcile all of these conflicting ideas?
Well, let's start by taking a deep dive into the world of charter schools. For those who may not be familiar, charter schools are publicly funded schools that operate independently of the traditional public school system. They have more flexibility in terms of curriculum, hiring practices, and budgeting, but they are still held accountable for student performance.
Now, let's add religion into the mix. There are some schools that are specifically designed to incorporate religious teachings into their curriculum. These schools are often affiliated with a particular religion and may require students to adhere to certain religious practices or beliefs.
So, what happens when you combine charter schools and religious institutions? You get religious charter schools, of course! And if you're scratching your head wondering how this is even possible, you're not alone.
The idea of a religious charter school seems like a contradiction in terms. After all, isn't the whole point of a charter school to provide an alternative to traditional public schools? And doesn't the inclusion of religion go against the separation of church and state?
But here's the thing: charter schools are not immune to controversy. There have been numerous debates about their effectiveness, their accountability, and their impact on the traditional public school system. And now, we have the added complication of religious influence.
So, why would anyone want to attend a religious charter school? Well, for starters, some families may feel that their religious beliefs are not being adequately addressed in traditional public schools. They may want their children to receive a more faith-based education that aligns with their values.
But here's the catch: if you're attending a religious charter school, you're essentially signing up for a specific set of beliefs and practices. This can be problematic if those beliefs conflict with your own or if you don't feel comfortable adhering to them.
And let's not forget about the separation of church and state. This is an important American value that ensures that our government does not favor one religion over another. By allowing religious charter schools to exist, are we violating this principle?
It's a tricky question with no easy answers. But one thing is for sure: if we're going to have religious charter schools, we need to make sure that they are held to the same standards as other charter schools. They should be accountable for student performance, they should not discriminate against students based on their religious beliefs (or lack thereof), and they should not receive special treatment from the government.
At the end of the day, it's up to each individual family to decide whether a religious charter school is right for them. But let's not forget that education is about more than just academics. It's also about fostering critical thinking skills, promoting diversity and inclusion, and preparing students for the real world.
So, if you're considering a religious charter school, ask yourself: is this really what's best for my child? And if you're still not sure, just remember: there's always the vegetarian steakhouse down the street.
Carol Burris: The New Christian Nationalist Charter Schools https://dianeravitch.net/2023/06/12/carol-burris-the-new-christian-nationalist-charter-schools/ via @dianeravitch
CURMUDGUCATION: The Two Faces of Hillsdale https://curmudgucation.blogspot.com/2023/06/the-two-faces-of-hillsdale.html?spref=fb&fbclid=IwAR2rzQTevCCL8vQik8l1Y5Lrzjsjn8tziM27zDbX2oFoVVUKc1O-eX8h6iY
Could religious charter schools upend American education? - Chalkbeat https://www.chalkbeat.org/2023/6/6/23751623/religious-charter-schools-private-oklahoma-explainer-supreme-court
Big Education Ape: LETTUCE US PRAY: OKLAHOMA APPROVES FIRST RELIGIOUS CHARTER SCHOOL - GOD HELP US http://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/06/lettuce-us-pray-oklahoma-approves-first.html
Big Education Ape: SCHOOL CHOICE CHOOSES JIM CROW http://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/06/school-choice-chooses-jim-crow.html