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So what exactly is a “charter school” and what is driving their growth?
As the 2010 school year begins, many Louisiana students are choosing to attend one of the ninety charter schools operating across the state. While the majority of these schools are in Orleans Parish, charter schools are also operating in Avoyelles, Caddo, East Baton Rouge, Jefferson, Lafourche, Ouachita, Plaquemines, Point Coupee, Richland, St. Mary and Union Parishes. So what exactly is a “charter school” and what is driving their growth? And do charter schools encourage competition with traditional public schools or do they pose a threat? Watch “Charter Schools in Louisiana” on Louisiana Public Square, airing statewide Wednesday, September 22nd at 7 PM on LPB HD.
Before Hurricane Katrina there were 17 charter schools in Louisiana. Since the storm, the number of charter schools in the state has risen to 90. While the majority of these are in Orleans Parish, there are charter schools also operating in Avoyelles, Caddo, East Baton Rouge, Jefferson, Lafourche, Ouachita, Plaquemines, Point Coupee, Richland, St. Mary and Union Parishes.
According to the state’s Race to the Top application earlier this year, ‚Louisiana leads the country in the number of charter schools and the school choice options available to parents.‛ Despite their increasing numbers, charter schools still remain somewhat of a mystery to the majority of Louisianans. So, what exactly is a “charter school” and what is driving their growth? And do charter schools encourage competition with traditional public schools or do they pose a threat?
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I think good morals should come at home. I think the Lords prayers should be said beore starting school along with the Pledge of Alegence. This shold hav started a long time ago.When kids attend school God is with them. My son attends Smyrna Adventist Junior Academy in Alexandria, Louisiana and before class starts an hour of Bible Study & prayer.
Like you I am passionate about public education; though believe private education standards should be regulated consistently with public; and I agree with your web question “So what exactly is a ‘charter school’”, since I don’t know. Many very effective teachers “burn out” because of what seem to be constant changes in expectations, including redundant, impractical paperwork and in class schedules, (seemingly with little regard for the teacher’s opinion or even skills). Are text books being phased out?? How can teachers teach if administrations don’t want teachers teaching with textbooks? Thanks so much to all of you!!
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