Contrary to popular belief, charter schools are public schools, accountable to the public and open to all public school students. In your recent story “All-boys academy is aimed at blacks; New facility among 16 city considering” (Metro, Nov. 6), Chicago Teachers Union President Marilyn Stewart repeats the common misconception that charter schools are a plot to privatize public education.
We in Illinois’ charters are firmly committed to public education and the opportunity it offers to all citizens.
Public charter schools have greater academic freedom and flexibility, which allow educational innovations to flourish. In exchange charters are held to high levels of public accountability because a district may swiftly shut down a charter if performance requirements are not met.
With boards of directors that often includes parents, community members, teachers and civic leaders, charters have direct engagement with the community for curricular design, teaching methods, professional development and fiscal management.
Parents recognize the value and effectiveness of a public charter education, evident by the long waiting lists to enter most of our distinguished charter schools.
As public schools, charters also provide fair and equal opportunities for all kids. Charter schools allow parents committed to public education to find the right school to best meet their children’s needs. Every parent should have an equal chance to choose the school that will best prepare his or her child for the future. This should not be available only to those who can attend a private school or choose their school district.
I urge Stewart to realize the great impact that charter school innovation has had in our classrooms. I commend Mayor Richard M. Daley for his championing of charter schools, his dedication to improving public school education and his leading innovations such as Renaissance 2010. Although public charter schools have existed for many years, Renaissance 2010 has given charters added momentum to prove they are a successful model for school districts to utilize in improving the quality of public education.
We look forward to working with the City of Chicago and the State of Illinois to ensure our kids have the best public education possible.
