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August 20, 2007

Embracing Charters Embraces Diversity, Democracy

The contrast between the Utah-based Ronald Reagan Charter and DC-based Cesar Chavez Public Policy Charter is a lesson in democracy, diversity and the strength of the charter school movement.  Unencumbered by partisan politics and the ideology that seems to drive political parties to take sides with unions and with one another on these issues, the charters of this nation that were largely created by wide, bi-partisan cross sections of legislators really do exemplify what is right with education reform and the charter reform in particular.  And particularly in this pre-election season, it’s a fitting lesson for our presidential candidates, some of whom seem still to want to pander to opponents, fearful that a full endorsement of charter schools might cause them the scorn of more partisan special interests.

If the teachers and communities in this country across red and blue states can embrace charters fully, every one of our aspiring presidents should be able to do so as well, and dispose of at least one volatile but critical issue in the public eye.  A commitment to the freedom of parents to make choices over what kind of education their children should receive is the most basic of freedoms.  The battle over this idea has been long over – recognize where the people are. The candidates need to catch up.

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