Hillsdale shouldn’t impact support for high-quality public charter schools in Tennessee

Going into college, my biggest fear was that I wouldn’t be smart enough. Most of my future peers had years of AP classes under their belts, and in some cases, a full semester of college. I had none of those things, except for a few classes taught by my high school teachers with curriculum provided by the closest community college.

I grew up in a very rural community, and because of that, there were few educational opportunities provided for myself and my grade-school classmates. During those twelve years I didn’t think anything of it. But when I enrolled in college, with people from backgrounds different than my own, I became hyper-aware of the quality of my education versus theirs.

I began college slightly behind the rest of my classmates. My university was fortunately well equipped with resources to help students like myself who had a bit of catching up to do, and in due time I was back on track with my peers. But I can’t help but wonder, would that period of my life have been easier if I had different educational opportunities in grade school?

As I evaluate the state of education here in Tennessee, I also reflect on my own education and how it may have been different if I was afforded the same opportunities as students today. If I had been given a choice of where to go to school, would I have been more prepared for post-secondary? School choice is not a new concept; however it is newly prevalent in education policy.In 2009, there were approximately 5,000 public charter schools in the United States. In 2019 that figure grew to over 7,500 and counting. In Tennessee, there are more than 100 charter schools, primarily in Metro Nashville Public School district (MNPS) and Memphis-Shelby County School district.

In early July, Larry Arnn of Hillsdale made a derogatory comment about teacher education programs in universities and colleges. There was an expected uproar after the footage became public. Since then, every considered Hillsdale charter school application has been voted down by public school boards for several reasons.

While Tennesseans may debate the role Hillsdale should have in public education in our state, we should not turn off all the lights on public charter schools and school choice because of one faulty bulb. According to Mathematica Policy Research, the graduation rate of charter schools is 7-11% higher than that of surrounding public schools. In addition, charter school graduates are at least 10% more likely to enroll in college the following semester, as well as being more likely to complete two years of higher education.

There are several reasons for this difference. One being that class sizes are regulated due to limited enrollment, allowing a more interpersonal experience between teacher and student. Another reason is that charter schools are not regulated in the same way public schools are. Public education is based in tradition, from the methods used in science and mathematics, to the stories told in literature and history. However, the way these methods and stories are delivered should evolve with the passing years and the children that walk the halls. Charter schools are authorized to develop their own programs and design innovative ways to engage with students and material.

Charter schools also serve a variety of communities with a range of socio-economic status. The National Alliance for Public Charter Schools shows us that 58% of charter schools are in urban areas serving mostly Hispanic students at 35.2%. With over 3.4 million charter school students across 44 states, charter schools design their curriculum for the communities they serve, rather than abide by rules set by state government.

Tennessee is at a unique place with school choice. After the recent passing of a new education funding plan, Tennessee Investment in Student Achievement (TISA), our state is in a position to explore what options can be offered to our students. What must be considered is the individual and unique needs of these students and whether the current public school system is enough.

It’s easy to find comfort in what is familiar, and Tennesseans (and Americans) are most familiar with traditional public schools. Some of the most iconic TV shows and movies take place in traditional public schools, and news outlets rarely have headlines featuring private institutions, while public k-12 issues and happenings are scattered across our newsfeeds. When individuals such as Arnn sour those headlines, it’s especially easy to doubt the non-traditional public schools they represent.

It would be irresponsible to ignore the positive things charter schools have done for local communities and students.

Would I have chosen to attend a charter school if that option was available to me at the time? Probably not. But there is power in having choices and being able to evaluate what is best for every student.

Every parent and child deserve the opportunity to choose an education that best suits their individual needs, passions, and learning styles. Despite recent news, we should still strive to ensure that these opportunities are not only provided, but well informed. Charter schools are not for everyone, but for some they are life changing.

The Tennessee Firefly is a project of and supported by Tennesseans for Student Success.