Such a turn would have violated the democratic philosophy that has guided American public schools since their inception. While Washington voters still support their schools, there is little question that improving public education, especially in the areas of rigorous standards, is a key concern. Our public schools are capable of innovations that promote change while safeguarding the rights of students and employees and keeping public account ability intact. As an organization, the WEA supports reform mechanisms that promote rigorous learning standards, decentralized and shared decisionmaking, diverse educational offerings, and the removal of onerous administrative regulations. Just as the program of Schools for the 21st Century was a prelude to the reforms of HB1209, we believe that developing a series of charter schools pilot programs, accomplished with thought and evaluation, could lead to systemic change that will benefit students, staff, and communities.
Charter schools offer a unique opportunity to respond to the diverse learning needs of students.
We must ensure that charter schools will be consistent with this country's commitment to free and universal public education with equality of opportunity for all. Given time and support, charter schools could promote a more effective structure and systemic renewal for our public schools. Lee Ann Prielipp is vice president of the Washington Education Association. Photo by Todd Eckelman.