While we're on the theme of education this month, we noticed this article from the El Paso Times which reminded us that it's been 10 years since the Lege approved the first charter school.
I have conflicting views on charter schools. It is great that these schools offer an intimate environment for learning through smaller classes. They also allow a bit more freedom in curriculum. However there are some bad examples out there. We know that not every charter school director will bankrupt their school and use our taxes for a non-school-related trip to Africa. Still, if we are going to continue to have charter schools, there needs to be more, and better, regulation. At this point, it seems they are here to stay (like it or not).
For more info:
Remember that charter schools are not saddled with the same requirements as the public schools and do NOT have to provide an education to many special needs populations. If public schools were also free from some of the MANY requirements imposed on them by the sate and feds they too could do a better job of educating our children.