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Should we oppose other kids' schools?
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A group of parents are organizing in an attempt to block formation of charter schools in their area. They call themselves Stand Up for Duneland Schools (SUDS) and the group’s website homepage simply reads, “We oppose The Duneland Charter School.”At first glance one may think that it is that particular charter school which has been proposed which SUDS is less than tickled about, but if you read through the website pages you’ll find that it is charter schools in general which are being protested.
What a waste of time. Sure charter schools are not everyone’s cup of Joe. However, we will be much more efficient for our kids if we work in support of what works rather than block other families’ choices.
Have you ever seen a group of homeschooling families protest the fact that other families prefer traditional schools? What about charter school families demanding that all of the district’s kids should fit in their particular brand of charter school? One would think not.
Thankfully most parents understand that kids don’t all learn the same way and offering education alternatives is the best way of preventing discrepancies.
SUDS asks if charter schools are meant for economically-challenged areas with troubled schools then goes on to offer their opinion:
Decide for yourself: A list of existing charter school cities in Indiana: Anderson, Gary (several), East Chicago(several), Marion, Richmond, Muncie, Evansville, Indianapolis(several), Fort Wayne(several), Lafayette, South Bend.
SUDS salutes the efforts of the administrators, teachers and founders of these charter schools to bring educational progress to challenged areas of our state. The Ball State Charter school office deserves recognition for their achievements.
An environmental school in a wealthy school district seems very out-of-place in contrast.The proponents of Duneland Charter School say that this interpretation of charter schools is incorrect. They stress that charters represent "choice". Choice can be presented by offering private education. Charters can best be used where there is not a strong education option in the towns.
SUDS is sadly missing the point. Charter schools are for kids. Education and the right to a good fit have nothing to do with socioeconomics or family background. Children have varying learning needs regardless of skin color, gender, family income—and how many good or bad neighborhood schools are in the geographical location.
Wouldn’t it be great to have a one-size-fits-all education? Sure! But as we tell our children, no two individuals are the same. Some children learn well in a traditional public school. For others, learning mass-education style is like trying to fetch a drink from a fire hose.
If we truly have the best for kids in mind, we need to stop demanding what is best for some adults. We need to embrace what makes us different, and offer varieties to best fit our kids—not insist that all kids fit what works for some.
SUDS, if you want to stand up for Duneland schools, you should begin with standing up for Duneland kids—all inclusively. Offer public school choice and embrace charter schools.
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