YES Linda Vitiellio is in her fifth year as president of the Somerville Teachers Association in Massachusetts. The 20-year Association activist has taught at Somerville's Carr, Forster, and Winter Hill Schools in grades six, four, and three. Y es, charter schools erode support for public education. That notion of success is based on a number of myths. The Massachusetts charter school law, its supporters say, will improve all schools, because charter schools will share their programs with non-charter public schools.
Charter schools provide much needed competition.
In Massachusetts, charter schools receive funds based on the average cost per student, rather than the per-pupil cost specific to the grade level and program of the student. Special, bilingual, and vocational education programs are factored in the average, along with the less expensive regular education costs. Charter schools fill a need, are accountable, and provide parents with a choice. The Massachusetts law allows no local approval of Commonwealth Charter Schools. The decision on whether to grant a charter and where the school will be located is made entirely by the State Board of Education.