Charter Schools Just WORK
Charter schools are public schools that are given more flexibility and autonomy than traditional public schools in exchange for meeting certain performance standards. One of the main reasons why charter schools are viewed as an option for students in failing public schools is that they often have higher graduation rates and academic performance compared to traditional public schools.
In cities like Philadelphia and Washington D.C., which have a large number of charter schools, studies have shown that charter schools have significantly higher graduation rates compared to traditional public schools. For example, in Philadelphia, the graduation rate for charter schools is around 80%, while the graduation rate for traditional public schools is around 70%. Similarly, in Washington D.C., the graduation rate for charter schools is around 80%, while the graduation rate for traditional public schools is around 60%.
Furthermore, in these cities, charter schools have also been found to have higher academic performance compared to traditional public schools. For example, in Philadelphia, charter schools have been found to have higher proficiency rates in math and reading compared to traditional public schools. Similarly, in Washington D.C., charter schools have been found to have higher proficiency rates in math, reading, and science compared to traditional public schools.
This isn’t the case in Baltimore, MD which has no charter schools, this lack of options for parents may have an impact on their children’s education and future opportunities.
Baltimore City Schools, also known as Baltimore Public Schools, have been facing a number of problems in recent years. Some of the main issues include:
Low graduation rates: Baltimore City Schools have some of the lowest graduation rates in the state of Maryland. In 2020, the graduation rate was around 70%, which is significantly lower than the state average of around 90%.
Poor academic performance: Baltimore City Schools have consistently ranked among the lowest-performing schools in the state in terms of academic achievement. In 2019, only around 20% of students were proficient in math and reading, compared to the state average of around 60%.
High absenteeism: Baltimore City Schools have some of the highest absenteeism rates in the state. In 2019, around 20% of students were chronically absent, meaning they missed more than 10% of the school year.
Funding issues: Baltimore City Schools have been facing significant funding challenges in recent years. The school system has been consistently underfunded and has been forced to make budget cuts, which has led to the elimination of programs and services for students.
Limited resources: Baltimore City Schools have been facing limited resources such as a lack of technology and technology support, limited access to extracurricular activities, outdated textbooks, and limited access to special education services.
High poverty rate: Baltimore City has a high poverty rate, which affects many students and families, this can lead to difficulties in accessing resources and can affect the students’ ability to learn and succeed.
Safety concerns: Baltimore City Schools have been facing safety concerns in recent years, with high rates of violence and crime within the school system.
These problems have a significant impact on students, families and the community as a whole. Addressing these issues will require a comprehensive, long-term approach that includes increased funding, improved academic programs, and support services for students and families.
In conclusion, charter schools are viewed as an option for students in failing public schools because they often have higher graduation rates and academic performance compared to traditional public schools. This is particularly true in cities like Philadelphia and Washington D.C., which have a large number of charter schools. However, Baltimore, MD which has no charter schools, lack of options can have a negative impact on student’s education and future opportunities.