A Student’s Perspective Over Defunding Charter Schools

I attend a charter school, and I could attest that charter schools are way better than public schools but are often misrepresented. The main difference between a public school and a charter school is the amount of parent involvement. Charter schools are mainly established, managed, and funded by parents. However, they are NOT private schools. Charter schools have to follow the same school district and state guidelines. In fact, charter schools are often underfunded. At my school district, the average pay for teachers of the public schools are $17k above the teachers at charter schools, the teachers who teach me! These teachers have a serious dedication to students because they work for a charter school, not a public school, despite earning A LOT less. Additionally, charter schools emphasize character, well-rounded education. Most public schools don’t emphasize the development of character or a individual based curriculum. There is so much more about charter schools! Charter schools not only are underfunded, but they also continue to help students. Education is a big factor for charter schools. As a low-income, minority, first generation student, I’ll tell you that charter schools serve students like me more diligently than public schools. Even by statistical factors, charter schools outrank many schools and many of these schools are filled with underrepresented students with not many resources to begin with. It completely irritates me when people say that charter schools are helping the rich and not the poor or are taking money away from public schools. This is completely untrue! Again and again, charter schools are excelling because they actually use their funds to help students. Of course some schools practice unethical behaviors, but I can certainly attest to the fact that charter schools are very underrepresented and sad. I am a low-income, minority, and first generation student. Through my time at Peak to Peak Charter School, I have graduated with a 4.0 GPA while taking AP classes and doing clubs. I have great relationships with teachers who really value education yet earn less money. This may be frustrating, but they are more dedicated about changing lives than getting money. It’s truly inspirational to see them spread character and be passionate about education not for the materialistic gains. Furthermore, my school was established in 2000 and now ranks #1 or in the top 3 in Colorado for many years. My school accomplished many things such as graduating 100% of the seniors where many among them are disadvantaged or underrepresented. This school also sends students to amazing colleges and prepare students well for success (the test scores are way higher than the district and state). This is my school that I’m so glad to be a part of. It truly saddens me that my charter school is currently being defunded by my school district. The fact that I, as a student, am so powerless to fight against the effects of misinformation and greed. I extend this story to you all. I will be willing to offer more information if you would like. However, please advocate for charter schools. Please understand and even research it for yourself to see that charter schools have provided so much for students and made a change in their lives. This is not about money. It is about the investment towards the future. It is about fighting greed and misinformation because the future is depending upon the students. Hear the stories of the students! Listen and stand up for them!

Submitted May 21, 2018 at 10:21AM by kevinch0514 https://ift.tt/2KJi1OY