While reading chapter four of the textbook I learned about charter schools. I think that they are an important idea. They provide an opportunity for children to become experts in one area rather than becoming generalists. This is important for the future of our country because we need experts to help advance our knowledge in areas such as science, technology, and many others.
The opposition argument to charter schools provides a sound argument for how they can be improved. For example, “governance structures should be publicly elected” (pg. 104). I agree with that, however parents should definitely stay an active part of charter schools. Parent involvement is a strong advantage as it allows students culture and identity to remain with them while in school.
Unschooling was another new idea presented to me in this chapter. A couple of ideas stuck out to me as being unique. For example, “Topics are pursued as children show interest in them” (pg. 107), and “without curriculum, schedules, tests, or grades” (pg. 107). Both of these ideas sound a lot like emergent curriculum, except unschooling occurs at home instead of in a school. I believe that going to a school is important for children to develop social skills, but also that more schools should attempt to provide a more student based approach.
Discussion Question:
How can we make sure that all children have equal access to charter schools?
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