Greater Charter School Admissions Linked to Failing National Education Rankings?
The United States’ education system has been failing in worldwide test scores for the past decade. In mathematics, 29 nations outperformed the United States while 22 nations scored above the U.S. average in science (Ed Week). With education falling behind globally, families are taking other options to educate their children. One of these options is charter schools. Pittsburgh has some of the most charter schools options in the United States. In matter of fact, admissions to some charter schools in the Pittsburgh area are regularly dependent on luck (Sostek). “At the school’s (Environmental Charter School) lottery last month, fewer than 7 percent of those who applied and did not have a sibling already in the school were granted admission for next year’s kindergarten — lower than the percentage of applicants admitted at Yale University” (Sostek). Charter schools are increasing in popularity throughout the region despite the negative connotation associated with charter schools. My question is, why do people still associate charter schools with corrupt cash cows while attendance is on the rise? Maybe families are not pleased with public education, as seen through the national rankings, and looking for other options. I will have to continue my research on charter schools in the Pittsburgh area to find out.
Sostek, Anya. “Admission to Pittsburgh’s Charter and Magnet Schools Becomes Difficult.” Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, 11 Mar. 2013. Web. 11 Sept. 2014.
“U.S. Achievement Stalls as Other Nations Make Gains.” Education Week. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Sept. 2014.
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While charter schools offer an alternative to under performing public schools, some research I have found says that they are creating an unfair, “dual-track system.” While the academics they provide are very beneficial to the students, many kids cannot get into the schools and are trapped in these underfunded districts. Charter schools do not have the capacity or funding to take over the entire school system, so for every charter school, there is an underfunded, underachieving public school trapping children who have been wait listed in Charter schools. It eliminates neighborhood community because instead of focusing on having a better public school for everyone, you only need to look after your own child.
http://www.npr.org/2013/11/22/246413696/charter-schools-in-philadelphia-educating-without-a-blueprint