Lauren Roth
The Virginian-Pilot
©
RICHMOND
Early in his term, Gov.-elect Bob McDonnell will move forward on a campaign pledge to expand the number of Virginia charter schools, and eventually may push to amend Virginia’s constitution to change the approval process for such schools.
That acknowledgement came from McDonnell transition officials Monday, the same day a charter advocacy group, The Center for Education Reform, released an analysis rating Virginia’s charter school laws among the most restrictive in the nation.
Virginia presently has three charter schools, with a fourth set to open next year. The closest is York River Academy on the Peninsula. Hampton Harbour Academy in Hampton closed as a charter school last June after repeatedly missing achievement targets.
During the campaign, McDonnell pledged to give charter applicants access to expert assistance and to establish an appeals process when local school boards reject applications.
Ultimately, he may want to create another government avenue for charter school approval beyond local school boards.
The topic of charter schools also gave the Republican a chance to emphasize his bi partisanship by pointing out his shared belief in charter schools with President Barack Obama, a Democrat.
Legislative and regulatory measures to grow charter schools will commence in 2010, added McDonnell spokesman Tucker Martin, though he didn’t specify how or in what specific order change might occur.
Charter advocates argue now is the time for states to revamp their laws given the competitive grant money available through the federal Race to the Top program, whose goal is to spur school reform efforts.
“Too many states have allowed their charter school laws to be watered down under pressure from special interests who feel their monopoly on the education of our children is threatened,” said Jeanne Allen, president of The Center for Education Reform.
Not all advocates are convinced of the efficacy of charter schools as a preferable alternative to traditional public schools, however.
Nearly two decades after the first charter schools were established in Minnesota, the “jury is still out in regards to their success, said Rob Jones of the Virginia Education Association.
“Until we are sure that they have a positive impact on student achievement,” Jones added, “it seems wise to stay the current course, which allows local experimentation with this and other education innovations.”
The state Department of Education is working on Virginia’s Race to the Top application and is keeping McDonnell’s transition team informed, said agency spokesman Charles Pyle.
The application requires states to show, among other things, the effectiveness of its laws in approving and supporting charter schools that improve achievement among high-need student populations.
Julian Walker, (804) 697-1564, julian.walker@pilotonline.com
Lauren Roth, (757) 222-5133, lauren.roth@pilotonline.com
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charter schools ok
As long as ALL children of the area have the opportunity to attend.
This is a brilliant move,
This is a brilliant move, and I am proud to say that I voted for him.
tax dollars for private schools is not right
oh great our tax dollars will be drained from public schools to support religious schools - an extension of Pat Robertson's school - people watch what you ask for - this is not good for the state or for the nation - with Liberty University and Regent University taking over the state
Ummmmmm... Charter schools
Ummmmmm... Charter schools are not usually religious schools. They are PUBLIC schools that still have tax-dollars, but are managed by private enterprise. There usually is no drain in public school funding.
Underperforming charter
Underperforming charter schools close. They are held accountable for performance. downhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charter_school.
Wow, what a leap
there. Nothing in the article about "religious" schools. Someone must really not like the incoming Governor
Education Problems
These problems are a result of the way we raise our kids today, not the schools or the lack of funds. The education achievement levels were higher when we had blackboards, no HVAC, and dirt floors.
Good for you ...Gov elect! "It's about time!"
All I can say is : "It's about time!"
We have had many people, organizations and even universities that wanted to start charter schools in VA. But the General Assembly as a result of strong educational organizational lobbying made the process so burdensome that it is next to impossible and/or very expensive to meet those guidelines.
Yet, we have children trapped in failing schools and school districts. Kudos to those that have recently passed the accreditation bar, but remember, that is the BOTTOM rung on the ladder.
Yes, open up Charters....look at tax credits for private and homeschoolers. The statistics are there...these types of educational approaches do work for many.
Thank you Mr. McDonnell!!
A tool, not a total solution
Charter Schools must be viewed as a potential tool to raise student achievement; one of many. Charter schools cannot be the total solution for all of the real and perceived problems that exist within our system of public education. The capacity in the private sector simply does not exist and the national record for charter schools shows mixed results. Whether it be the relative freedom associated with charter schools or breakthrough innovation in existing schools, the current model of education must be changed. It is outdated and increasingly ineffective. Our schools, public and charter, must prepare kids for jobs that do not even exist today and for a future that will be vastly different from we know today. Too often, the debate about charter schools has been adult-centric and political rather than on what is best for the children. Some will attempt to use charter schools as a means to secure public funding for religious programs or other narrowly focused areas. This must be opposed. ALL children must benefit, not a select few.