A little closer to home.

[Foxmeister]

I'd like to see a voucher system that allows the money to be used towards tuition at private schools. I think every kid should have the opportunity to receive the best education they can get.

::ditto

As long as the private school are not forced to lower their tuition or forced to participate, I'm ok with it.

I wouldn't want them forced to have to lower their tuition so a voucher could be used either.

 

[lotstodo]

The end result was that the poor kids who won the lottery to get a chance at a better education were tossed out of the elite school that Obama's children attend. :tapfoot2

The voucher program is still running this year, is it not?

It ended at the end of the 09/10 school year when the Democrats defunded it.

SD, I don't know exactly how many students they accepted, but they were listed as participants in the program, and participants must accept the voucher and not charge parents any other tuition or fees. They may limit the number of voucher students accepted, and combine the vouchers with other internally funded scholarships to make tuition. They may not use public scholarships available to other institutions in conjunction with the voucher program.

 

[unionmom]

Apparently there are some kids (I think I read it's about 300 remaining at this point) that were grandfathered in to continue the program in DC. No new students being added.

 

[lotstodo]

Apparently there are some kids (I think I read it's about 300 remaining at this point) that were grandfathered in to continue the program in DC. No new students being added.

I believe that they did strike a compromise to allow students already enrolled to continue. There was some talk between Boehner and the DOE about minor expansion this year, but I don't know the outcome of that. I do know that they have increased the value of the voucher throughout the program to match the percentage increased in the overall per student DC school budget. I think it's over $8k now for elementary and about $12k for high school.

 

[LisaC]

I didn't make it through all of the comments, but I'm undecided on this one. The only sticking point for me is who will oversee the program. I lean towards voting yes because I know it will take pigs flying in Paulding before our current local school board would ever allow a charter school. I'm in the middle because I would rather have a voucher program where the money for the princess's education could go with her. I'm leaning towards no because I just don't know enough about the program yet - if the information isn't out there, then I will vote no because I want to have some assurances that this isn't just another bogus program that won't really benefit average citizens.

 

[newsjunky]

I didn't make it through all of the comments, but I'm undecided on this one. The only sticking point for me is who will oversee the program. I lean towards voting yes because I know it will take pigs flying in Paulding before our current local school board would ever allow a charter school. I'm in the middle because I would rather have a voucher program where the money for the princess's education could go with her. I'm leaning towards no because I just don't know enough about the program yet - if the information isn't out there, then I will vote no because I want to have some assurances that this isn't just another bogus program that won't really benefit average citizens.

There are very successful Public Charter Schools in Georgia. If they are not they are shut down. The info is out there. If you listen to the stuff put out by some groups who are against them you usually will not find the truth.

 

[Madea]

Does anyone know the real difference between a Charter school and a public school?

Is it just a matter of attitude among the students and parents because those who choose to make this change truly care about education?

Quite frankly, I'm not even 100% convinced that private school always trumps public school.

 

[Madea]

We are all individuals. Some will succeed no matter where they are.

And, I don't believe public school are failing due to lack of funds and teacher's salaries being too low. I think they are failing because we are coddling children and they aren't disciplined (and I'm not saying that's all school, it's primarily a parental problem). Kids are more worried about their "rights".

 

[ShoeDiva]

Does anyone know the real difference between a Charter school and a public school?

Is it just a matter of attitude among the students and parents because those who choose to make this change truly care about education?

Quite frankly, I'm not even 100% convinced that private school always trumps public school.

I would say with 100% certainty it does not. There are always exceptions to the rule. Some private schools are not going to be the best, and some public schools shine. Much has to do with leadership in the school and so much has to do with regulations and requirements that teachers in public schools have to follow. Many times teachers can just not teach. I feel that holds back public systems more than anything else. JMO on that though.

 

[lotstodo]

Does anyone know the real difference between a Charter school and a public school?

Is it just a matter of attitude among the students and parents because those who choose to make this change truly care about education?

Quite frankly, I'm not even 100% convinced that private school always trumps public school.

Charter schools can be private or public. Most are public. They must present a plan for improving the educational opportunities for the community that they serve, and how they intend to measure that achievement. They can be unique in the programs that they offer and target certain areas such as science, but they cannot discriminate. In exchange, they are relieved of some of the rote requirements that standard schools may be subject to such as length of school day or strict curriculum.

They all tend to require parental involvement and dedication, but this is not a requirement to receive a charter. Every Charter is judged on it's merits initially and in follow up , and if it doesn't perform, it will lose it's charter. It is the accountability of the faculty, students, and parents that separates them from the usual.

 

[Madea]

Just one example: last year my son was kneed in the groin by another student. I was told that the student's punishment could not be discussed with parents or other students, but I was "assured" he was dealt with. Quite frankly, when I went to school, we didn't have that "right to privacy". Your punishment was actually a deterrent to other students.

If you skipped school and had to pick up paper off campus after school, your friends laughed as the buses pulled away. They are no longer allowed to pick up paper, clean lockers, or scrap gum off desks (even with the gloves the school had been providing. Btw, they didn't provide gloves at my school).

 

[Madea]

Does anyone know the real difference between a Charter school and a public school?

Is it just a matter of attitude among the students and parents because those who choose to make this change truly care about education?

Quite frankly, I'm not even 100% convinced that private school always trumps public school.

Charter schools can be private or public. Most are public. They must present a plan for improving the educational opportunities for the community that they serve, and how they intend to measure that achievement. They can be unique in the programs that they offer and target certain areas such as science, but they cannot discriminate. In exchange, they are relieved of some of the rote requirements that standard schools may be subject to such as length of school day or strict curriculum.

They all tend to require parental involvement and dedication, but this is not a requirement to receive a charter. Every Charter is judged on it's merits initially and in follow up , and if it doesn't perform, it will lose it's charter. It is the accountability of the faculty, students, and parents that separates them from the usual.

My comments on charter school differences and private school were separate thoughts. )

So, why not raise the bar in public schools and have accountability for all parties there? It's supposed to be an education, not a day care.

 

[newsjunky]

Does anyone know the real difference between a Charter school and a public school?

Is it just a matter of attitude among the students and parents because those who choose to make this change truly care about education?

Quite frankly, I'm not even 100% convinced that private school always trumps public school.

Charter schools can be private or public. Most are public. They must present a plan for improving the educational opportunities for the community that they serve, and how they intend to measure that achievement. They can be unique in the programs that they offer and target certain areas such as science, but they cannot discriminate. In exchange, they are relieved of some of the rote requirements that standard schools may be subject to such as length of school day or strict curriculum.

They all tend to require parental involvement and dedication, but this is not a requirement to receive a charter. Every Charter is judged on it's merits initially and in follow up , and if it doesn't perform, it will lose it's charter. It is the accountability of the faculty, students, and parents that separates them from the usual.

My comments on charter school differences and private school were separate thoughts. )

So, why not raise the bar in public schools and have accountability for all parties there? It's supposed to be an education, not a day care.

Madea I have been asking the same questions for years. The public schools have just gotten worse not better. I am looking for alternatives for the children close to me. I have come to believe that school choice is the only way to push improvement in the Public Schools.

 

[meandmyguys]

I haven't read all 5 pages of comments, so this may be off topic if it's drifted, but based on the initial letter: I heard "Please don't create anymore high quality charter schools because we need your money." Sorry? I don't believe in pouring water into a bucket with a hole in the bottom. The public school systems are sieves. Let the money follow the child. Create an efficient system that serves the children in it, using the money that comes with them.

 

[honeybunny]

I support charter schools and vouchers for private education:


"Innovation never comes from the established institutions." - Google CEO Eric Schmidt on Khan Academy


Waiting For Superman 2010 part 1 of 11

 

[LisaC]

Does anyone know the real difference between a Charter school and a public school?

Is it just a matter of attitude among the students and parents because those who choose to make this change truly care about education?

Quite frankly, I'm not even 100% convinced that private school always trumps public school.

Charter schools can be private or public. Most are public. They must present a plan for improving the educational opportunities for the community that they serve, and how they intend to measure that achievement. They can be unique in the programs that they offer and target certain areas such as science, but they cannot discriminate. In exchange, they are relieved of some of the rote requirements that standard schools may be subject to such as length of school day or strict curriculum.

They all tend to require parental involvement and dedication, but this is not a requirement to receive a charter. Every Charter is judged on it's merits initially and in follow up , and if it doesn't perform, it will lose it's charter. It is the accountability of the faculty, students, and parents that separates them from the usual.

My comments on charter school differences and private school were separate thoughts. )

So, why not raise the bar in public schools and have accountability for all parties there? It's supposed to be an education, not a day care.

Some of my thoughts:

We are an entitlement society. Kids are entitled to an education and the parents have been given the option to not be involved in that education. School boards don't welcome corporations and community leaders involved in the schools because, IMO, it makes the school board and the admins feel threatened so they avoid it (it was very obvious in the mentoring program our firm sponsored in a public school).

I've said this before, but private schools tell you up front that if you want your kid in their school, YOU will participate (both as a parent and a family). Here's an example, for the princess's field trip on Friday - the two kindergarten classes (about 25 kids) had no less than 12 parents come along to chaperone.

 

[ShoeDiva]

Does anyone know the real difference between a Charter school and a public school?

Is it just a matter of attitude among the students and parents because those who choose to make this change truly care about education?

Quite frankly, I'm not even 100% convinced that private school always trumps public school.

Charter schools can be private or public. Most are public. They must present a plan for improving the educational opportunities for the community that they serve, and how they intend to measure that achievement. They can be unique in the programs that they offer and target certain areas such as science, but they cannot discriminate. In exchange, they are relieved of some of the rote requirements that standard schools may be subject to such as length of school day or strict curriculum.

They all tend to require parental involvement and dedication, but this is not a requirement to receive a charter. Every Charter is judged on it's merits initially and in follow up , and if it doesn't perform, it will lose it's charter. It is the accountability of the faculty, students, and parents that separates them from the usual.

My comments on charter school differences and private school were separate thoughts. )

So, why not raise the bar in public schools and have accountability for all parties there? It's supposed to be an education, not a day care.

Some of my thoughts:

We are an entitlement society. Kids are entitled to an education and the parents have been given the option to not be involved in that education. School boards don't welcome corporations and community leaders involved in the schools because, IMO, it makes the school board and the admins feel threatened so they avoid it (it was very obvious in the mentoring program our firm sponsored in a public school).

I've said this before, but private schools tell you up front that if you want your kid in their school, YOU will participate (both as a parent and a family). Here's an example, for the princess's field trip on Friday - the two kindergarten classes (about 25 kids) had no less than 12 parents come along to chaperone.

Parent involvement is pretty much the same in public school at that age. )
I would love to know how much parent involvement there is at 6th grade and up in that school. That is where I was begging :'( for parents to help out with things and of course unless it was sport related we could not get a return phone call! Some of the local schools could barely get parents for the PTA/PTSA boards. I think in the middle grades and higher is where you really see the difference. Yours is required while public is not.

 

[LisaC]

Does anyone know the real difference between a Charter school and a public school?

Is it just a matter of attitude among the students and parents because those who choose to make this change truly care about education?

Quite frankly, I'm not even 100% convinced that private school always trumps public school.

Charter schools can be private or public. Most are public. They must present a plan for improving the educational opportunities for the community that they serve, and how they intend to measure that achievement. They can be unique in the programs that they offer and target certain areas such as science, but they cannot discriminate. In exchange, they are relieved of some of the rote requirements that standard schools may be subject to such as length of school day or strict curriculum.

They all tend to require parental involvement and dedication, but this is not a requirement to receive a charter. Every Charter is judged on it's merits initially and in follow up , and if it doesn't perform, it will lose it's charter. It is the accountability of the faculty, students, and parents that separates them from the usual.

My comments on charter school differences and private school were separate thoughts. )

So, why not raise the bar in public schools and have accountability for all parties there? It's supposed to be an education, not a day care.

Some of my thoughts:

We are an entitlement society. Kids are entitled to an education and the parents have been given the option to not be involved in that education. School boards don't welcome corporations and community leaders involved in the schools because, IMO, it makes the school board and the admins feel threatened so they avoid it (it was very obvious in the mentoring program our firm sponsored in a public school).

I've said this before, but private schools tell you up front that if you want your kid in their school, YOU will participate (both as a parent and a family). Here's an example, for the princess's field trip on Friday - the two kindergarten classes (about 25 kids) had no less than 12 parents come along to chaperone.

Parent involvement is pretty much the same in public school at that age. )
I would love to know how much parent involvement there is at 6th grade and up in that school. That is where I was begging :'( for parents to help out with things and of course unless it was sport related we could not get a return phone call! Some of the local schools could barely get parents for the PTA/PTSA boards. I think in the middle grades and higher is where you really see the difference. Yours is required while public is not.

True, it is required, and from what I have seen so far (especially at the book fair), it's across the board for all grades. But, what if public schools had given the parents that talk and told them that active participation in their child's education was not only expected, but required? I know you still wouldn't have 100%, but there are a lot of parents that have to be told what the expectations are before they will comply. Public schools don't do that and they don't hold the kids (or parents) accountable. That's a serious issue. But, unfortunately, telling parents that you expect them to be active isn't "politically correct," so I know that will never happen...

 

[I'm Floored]

Local approval for charter schools is already in place, they have no idea why a "constitutional amendment" is needed.

I've heard this same argument, and my research has lead to information showing that the amendment is needed because the Georgia Supreme Court made a ruling in 2011 declaring the Georgia Charter Schools Commission unconstitutional because it violated the "special schools" provision of the Georgia constitution.

 

[ShoeDiva]

Local approval for charter schools is already in place, they have no idea why a "constitutional amendment" is needed.

I've heard this same argument, and my research has lead to information showing that the amendment is needed because the Georgia Supreme Court made a ruling in 2011 declaring the Georgia Charter Schools Commission unconstitutional because it violated the "special schools" provision of the Georgia constitution.

Thanks I will look for that info!