Over half of them are poor. A friend asked me the other day what makes charter schools different. It's special to the students, who are in that school by choice, and to the teachers and administrators, who are free to create an atmosphere of enthusiasm for learning. Opponents argue that allowing children to go to charter schools is bad because other students are left behind. They should have that opportunity.
Charter schools are in the mainstream of public policy.
The President has called for three thousand of them across the nation. Our Governor and legislative leaders have said we should have more of them in Massachusetts. Reformers across the political spectrum are working hard for legislative action this spring. It won't be easy to beat the opposition and its full-time lobbyists, but legislators listen to voters. Parents who are worried about their children's educations are letting their wishes be known.