My view: Charter schools haven’t proved successful
In “Charters make a case to hire better teachers” (July 12) the editors dismiss those who question a proposal to allow uncertified individuals to teach in NY charter schools because some opponents have objected to the state’s use of student testing for purposes of accountability. The editors support the proposal without sufficient evidence or context and fail to examine the motives of those advocating for the deregulation of teacher certification.
Instead of questioning research about the effectiveness of Teach for America (TFA), charter schools or school choice, the editors assail New York’s education system, citing high costs and low scores. While TFA and its adherents have engaged in aggressive self-promotion, student performance, considering the investment and acclaim, has been unremarkable. Research on charter schools has shown that they have also failed to make promised gains, even with motivated families and enhanced investments - corporate and philanthropic. Recent studies of students using vouchers to choose their schools show higher failure rates in comparison to peers in public schools.
The editors decry a low return on investment from New York’s schools yet do not provide context for education My view: Charter schools haven't proved successful:
