Feb
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Blog Post #2 – Jia Jun Wu
February 3, 2015 | Leave a Comment
If charter schools are really to be incubators of innovation, then the real question is why there isn’t more cooperation between charter schools and public schools. While it may not necessarily be true in other states, it seems that in New York City, charter schools are outperforming public schools. So the pressing matter at hand is to gather information that seems to be working at these charter schools and incorporate them into the educational sector. However, what disturbs me is the division and non-transparency between charter and public schools.
As Noguera discusses in The Nation, there is much obscurity in charter schools’ disclosure of expenses, teacher attrition rate, and student body. If the mission of the charter schools is to offer parents and students with choices and, ultimately, better education, it only makes sense that this information be made available in some form. Revealing exactly where everything goes can affirm that the schools are in fact putting the students first. And it’s always worst when the hidden bad news is uncovered. It’s reported that there’s evidence that there is acceptance of the least difficult students at some charter school. Not only could this greatly skew grades and performances, but also renders the quality and integrity of a charter education uncertain. So I think some transparency on the charter schools’ part will definitely be beneficial to students.
Lee describes the worlds divided in his MSNBC article. His description draws a significant contrast between PS 149 and Success Academy. What stood out to me was the blocks room. It seems so excessive and has a fantastical feeling to it. I, and probably many others, did not grow up with similar surroundings. I could only imagine what the young me would feel about seeing this unreachable place tantalize me. This leads me to say that the obligation of the public schools providing space for charter schools is quite unfair. It either chooses to lose valuable room or pay for another space. It only seems fair that the space the originally established public school shares be a common resource. If not during school hours, afterschool and weekends seem to be viable, ensuring that students can mutually benefit.
Furthermore, it’s unbelievable that the two principals have never gotten together to speak. I’m sure each can learn from one another and perhaps cooperate to make the two schools feel more connected. The bureaucratic system shouldn’t make neighbors pretend as if they aren’t there. Furthermore, the students of the two schools should never have to internally create a demarcating line. They are being directly exposed to the effects of inequality, harming their psyche and self-esteem. Again, this idea of inequality has completely separated people into two opposing sides. If there were more cohesion there will undoubtedly be success and growth.
It’s idealistic, but working together is quintessential. It’s actually ingrained into the very fundamentals of learning. There are numerous studies that show that healthy relationships are vital for learning. Parent to student, teacher to student, and peer to peer relationships are very important in promoting learning. Maybe it’s the charter school curriculum, the longer school day, or the teachers’ individualized attention. Whatever the case, with some cooperation and transparency the whole educational system can be transformed.
