Why see cyber schools as a threat?
The Philadelphia Inquirer has that question this morning (HT: edspresso). We certainly see that same behavior here in Colorado. They just don’t get it - namely this:
The ultimate test for cyber schools is choice. If parents are not pleased with results, they can switch to another school. If public school officials are so concerned about providing a top-notch education for all students, they should levy their demands on themselves.To better focus on instruction, better handle individual students’ needs, and rely on greater parental involvement, comprehensive education reform should include three steps.
First, public schools should receive funding based on parents’ choices. This system would allow funding to follow the child so that students, not school buildings, benefited. Second, public schools should lose their charters when they continue to underperform. This accountability would encourage top performance from teachers and administrators. Finally, public schools should have to compete for students. Competition creates efficiency and forces schools to meet the needs and demands of students and parents.
This spring the state legislature cut 3 million dollars from charter school funding. Denise at Colorado Charter Schools has the breakdown of capital construction funding for the state’s charter schools since the 2001-02 school year.
As the number of charter school students has increased exponentially in recent years, the amount per student has fallen significantly.
Hey, thanks Colorado! Now if only we could find a real charter school hater to head the Education Committee in the state, we’d be set!
