Reply to If DC public charters are created to help the underprivileged is it bad to

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[quote=Anonymous]A basic issue in DC is that we have (1) a charter system that basically has an unconstrained right to grow and (2) a huge achievement gap no one has been able to close. Until the achievement gap closes, there will always be someone who will say, “couldn’t this new charter fix it?” And a system that will approve said charter. Not always, but enough that this is a huge driver in system expansion.

Is that the only reason charters exist? Not by a long shot. But should it make you bring your no-achievement-gap-child to a charter aimed at the gap or stay away? Is that segregation or integration or intentionality or what?

It’s reasons like this not to immediately condemn people or schools in DC associated with charters. There are bad choices and people who make bad choices and schools that should refocus on their reasons to exist. And frankly there are DCPS schools where not enough success is happening and this drives a hunger for alternatives.

But should you keep away from certain schools?

In my opinion I’d do this:
Be open to your neighborhood school as a first choice as it’s likely to be the most integrative of neighbors and DC. Have a reason not to go there that isn’t based on race or class if you don’t want to choose it.
If you want a charter, choose one where you won’t undermine its reason to exist, e.g., closing an achievement gap, by enrolling your kids.
If you want a charter, don’t lie to yourself about choosing it’s program when you are really choosing its demographics.
If your kids are on the low side of the achievement gap, do the best thing you can for them and tell privileged people when they are squeezing you out.
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