Waiting for Superman

So I was just watching Oprah – not something I typically do, but I did. And I’m glad. Today’s topic: Charter Schools and bad teaching practices.

She discussed a new movie coming out in October, “Waiting for Superman” – below you will find a link to check out the trailer – I hope everyone watches this film. One statistic hit me hard: Children that do not graduate are 8 times more likely to go to prison. American society wonders why prisons are overcrowded and why crime rates are so high. The truth is over 40,000 children drop out of high school every year. More often than not, these adolescents are dropping out because of poor teaching and bad teaching practices. In my opinion, if an education is not viewed as a reward, then many people are not likely to become educated. I know that my high school experience was “less than stellar” and had it not been for strict parenting, I too would have been a high school dropout. Not because I’m dumb, but because there was no reason for me to be there. Period.

I am so glad that Oprah shed light on this topic and introduced Charter Schools to many people that otherwise would have no idea what a Charter School is. Now, you should know, that I am a HUGE fan of the public school system, I am not, however, a fan of terrible teaching. And, I now think that Charter Schools may be the answer for some students.

So for of you that missed the show, and do not know anything about Charter Schools, here’s a bit of information:
There are two principles that guide charter schools.
First is that they will operate as autonomous.
In case your wondering, autonomous means:
1. Government .
a. self-governing; independent; subject to its own laws only.
b. pertaining to an autonomy.
2. having autonomy; not subject to control from outside; independent: a subsidiary that functioned as an autonomous unit.
3. Biology .
a. existing and functioning as an independent organism.
b. spontaneous.

They are public schools, through waivers from many of the procedural requirements of district public schools. These waivers do not mean a school is exempt from the same educational standards set by the State or district. Autonomy can be critically important for creating a school culture that maximizes student motivation by emphasizing high expectations, academic rigor, discipline, and relationships with caring adults. Affirming students, particularly minority students in urban school districts, whose school performance is affected by social phenomena including stereotype threat "acting white", non-dominant cultural capital, and a "code of the street" requires the autonomy to create a carefully balanced school culture to meet students' needs in each unique context. Basically, this is saying that white privilege is not an issue and all students are treated equally. Most teachers, say schools would be better for students if principals and teachers had more control and flexibility about work rules and school duties.

The second is that charter schools are accountable for student achievement. To date, 12.5% of the over 5000 charter schools founded in the United States have closed for reasons including academic, financial, and managerial problems, and occasionally consolidation or district interference. The rules and structure of charter schools depend on state authorizing legislation and differ from state to state.
A charter school is authorized to function once it has received a charter, a statutorily defined performance contract detailing the school's mission, program, goals, students served, methods of assessment, and ways to measure success. Charter schools are held accountable to their sponsor, usually a local school board, state education agency, university, or other entity: to produce positive academic results and adhere to the charter contract.

I believe that many students are extremely smart, and have full capability of learning. Often, they receive failing grades because they do not test well (I am one of those people). Charter School could be the answer for these types of students. They are also an excellent way of teaching children, without the restraints of SOLs. Virginia currently has 2 Charter Schools and a possibility of a 3rd opening in Richmond, I would love to see one open in Roanoke in the future!
Lastly, On October 1, 2010 a movie is coming to theaters that shines light on Charter Schools – “Waiting for Superman”, it is a documentary on this type of school system. I hope that every person that has children in school or will be in school with watch. Check out the trailer at:
Waiting for Superman