When Charters Come of Age

Charter laws originated in 1996. In some ways that seems like a long time ago, but really Charter Schools are just teenagers--adolescents. They aren't grown-ups yet.

At the same time, opponents of charters want to measure them the same way they measure a system that is mature.

It seems to me that we have an extremely unfair comparison, so let me throw in one more analogy to the life stages.

It appears to me that the non-charter school system has reached old age, and in many cases senility.

It doesn't understand itself or its problems. It can't fix its own problems. It tries almost random solutions, but can't always recall why or what the purpose is. It maintains bad habits such as unionized teachers which have lost direct.

Charters on the other hand are really just getting going and finding out what works. Sure, there is some trial and error. Don't get me wrong. Some charters need to change or close, but sometimes they just need that chance to get through adolescence. They make mistakes, but they provide new ideas. They provide options. They have the opportunity to make learning exciting.

BUT, they are restricted. They can't hire a native Spanish speaker who might be a great teacher because, OMG, she doesn't have a bachelor's degree. In fact, in places where charters have to hire certified teachers, they can't even hire a retired college professor because she doesn't have the proper credential.

I believe that once charters get through puberty, they will show their real worth and the positive beginnings that they've had will only shine brighter as they enter adulthood. Now, the question is will the non-charter world accept them into adulthood and will the non-charter system, having gone through old age and senility, die.