Well, here it is again--the need for public charter schools to use public school space.
According to Friday's P & C, "On the first anniversary of becoming the third-highest ranking member of Congress, House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn . . . stop[ped] at Charleston Development Academy Charter School on the peninsula, where he emphasized that school choice is an innovative learning method that must be embraced."
I've blogged before about CDA and its success [see Gadsden Green's Heroes ]
Notably, the school's principal,Cecelia Gordon Rogers did not miss the opportunity to ask for expansion, saying,"'We have outgrown our building here. Give us a little space.'"
South Carolina is one of the few states that does not provide public school space by law for public charter schools. This issue will only grow in urgency as more charter groups provide more choices.
If public charter schools do not receive public space, their long-term success will always be an issue. Only those charter groups that have several "Mr. Moneybags" on board will be able to thrive. Is that what Rep. Clyburn foresees? Will it continue to be necessary to settle the issue with expensive lawsuits? Let's hope not.
Friday, January 04, 2008
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2 comments:
I agree. Maybe Congressman Clyburn should get on the phone to some people here, like our mayor or our school board chairman, and tell them to get on the right side of this issue. Photo ops are one thing, but it would help more if this former District 20 teacher (before CCSD took over) would get the local politicos in line on this.
Here are some comments copied from the P&C blog on this article this morning:
Congressman Clyburn's unabashed support of this successful community-based, parent-driven charter school in downtown Charleston should send a clear message to the county school board, the mayor and the local NAACP president. Charter schools, if given the right support and if allowed to focus on positive goals for serving needs within the community that are broadly inclusive, can open doors for all students. What we learn at home is only the beginning. Schools should be allowed to open a universe of new ideas and experiences to curious and eager students.
CCSD's lock-step one-size-fits-all formulas need have so far failed to produce significant advances. CCSD should not only allow, but encourage in every possible way, downtown charter schools like Charleston Development Academy (K-5) and the newly organized Charleston Charter School for Math and Science (planned for grades 6-12). What a great opportunity both schools offer to prove that highly successful public schools can again be restored to the heart of this historic city.
Wow. I don't have time to look at your blog right now, but your profile's bit about news summed up the deepest of my frustrations. Kudos for being aware enough to feel the same pain!
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