Public schools can make a strong positive impact on students, including youngsters from troubled backgrounds. Prominent reformers like Robert Slavin, James P. Comer, Deborah Meier, and Henry Levin, among others, have demonstrated how public schools can have a major, measurable, positive impact on all kinds of students. Unfortunately, districts often ignore their success. Poverty, racism, and violence must be reduced. But like Bob Slavin, charter advocates know that problems outside schools should not excuse failures inside schools.
Schools can do a better job.
Charter schools around the nation are improving student achievement. California, Colorado, and Minnesota charter schools have had contracts renewed because of their success. One of public education's central problems is the system itself. American Federation of Teachers President Albert Shanker described the plight of educators trying to create new, more effective public school options. Many districts regularly move principals.