Why Are Charter Schools Failing

The education system in America has been in decline for decades and is desperately in need of reform, however, considering all of the corruption, bias, and bureaucracy from within this system, it is not likely that there will be an agreeable resolution in the near future. One major issue is that the public school system takes on a universal approach to educate our nation’s youth, leaving parents with little or no options when it comes to the choices they have concerning their child’s education. Fortunately, charter schools offer parents another possible choice and are considered by many to be a “source of innovation, inspiration, and revitalization in public education (Wood 2010)” because they provide a more child-centered form of education.

“Though many have contested the validity of these charges, [...] the news media, the political establishment and a large segment of the public have become convinced that our schools are failing to serve the children with whom they've been entrusted (Wood 2010).” For example, the system of standardized testing in public schools is defective, teacher unions are primarily concerned for themselves, and educational book publishers spend millions of dollars lobbying to maintain the failing status quo, just to name a few. On the other hand, charter school organizations are “governed by boards consisting of parents, teachers and community members, making them more responsive than public schools [and] able to operate in a more [transparent and] cost-effective manner (Wood

Charter schools offer better, more flexible educational options for families because they are “more reflective of parent and community priorities through the alternative programs that cater to special interests and needs (Woods 2010)” as opposed to the cookie-cutter public school system. Even the most distinguished public schools that are located in the best communities do not necessarily offer educational options that are fitted for every child. Determinants may include special needs students,the size and location of the school, socio-economic factors, as well as the academic ambition of the child. Charter schools tend to be smaller than their traditional counterparts which fosters a more personal and creative approach to teaching and learning. Many have a specialized academic focus in math, sciences, and in the arts, creating a community hub for families from all different backgrounds. “Though charter schools have yet to prove their academic worth, they are rapidly increasing in number across the country. They provide choices to parents for their children's education and level the playing field between higher and lower Socioeconomic classes (Wood