Why do people think education reform exists? Many people who watched Waiting for Superman were shocked, appalled at what is happening in some schools. The anti-charter folks called it propaganda. The pro-charter folks loved it. However, if they were honest with themselves, they could say there are good charter schools and bad charter schools, just like there are good district schools and bad district schools or good private schools and bad private schools and definitely good home schooling and bad home schooling.
So why do people think education reform exists? I believe it exists for the sake of students, who are in fact children.
My journey in education has been more like Lombard Street than a straight trajectory. I entered the education industry in the area of drop out prevention. (If you don't think it's an industry, you need to start there with your processing.) After starting my first school, I went back to school myself. I realized I needed more "book learnin'." I've done that a few times in the 13 years since.
Competition has made us all - charter, district private - do our jobs better. No longer can an administrator say to a student, "if you don't like how we do things, too bad." (I heard it with my own two ears.) The student and parents can go elsewhere. When done right, the charter delivery system can also hold students and parents more accountable. The wonderful thing about school choice is choice. If parents and students don't think a school is a good fit or don't like the level of accountability, they can go to a different school.
So how do we keep our direction in education reform going the right way? By always asking, what is in the best interest of kids.
Next blog: What happens when you're the pig on the breakfast plate of school reform? Some amazing encounters I have over the years.
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