Poll finds more than 60 percent of Tennesseans support public charter schools
A new poll finds Tennesseans want more out of their state’s education system.The poll on a variety of topics by conservative organization the Beacon Center, found a majority of Tennesseans believe more educational choices are needed, including the need for more charter schools across the state.
Charter School Support
While charter schools have received mixed support from school boards throughout Tennessee, especially Nashville, more than half of Tennesseans support the expansion of charter schools according to the poll.64 percent of Tennesseans polled expressed support for the expansion of charter schools, with 32 percent strongly supporting it.The majority of supporters come from West Tennessee, where 73 percent support the expansion of charter schools.These numbers contrast greatly with those who oppose charter school expansion. According to the poll, 23 percent oppose expansion with just 9 percent saying they strongly oppose it.The poll found 13 percent of voters were unsure.
Current Status of Education
Another thing Tennesseans agree on, according to the poll, is the need the need for change in the education system.The Beacon poll found just 36 percent of voters are satisfied with the K-12 public education system in Tennessee compared to 56 percent, including a plurality of Democratic voters, who say they are unsatisfied.
Additionally, an overwhelming 77 percent of Tennesseans agree that more public and private educational choices are needed in Tennessee and that the “one-size-fits-all” approach to education doesn’t fit every kid.Only nine percent disagree with the need for more options.The poll reported very little difference in income ranges for those who wanted more educational options.
