Reflection on Power and Control of Schools

Obviously no one is going to argue the point that the key to a child's success is a good education. But what does get argued, quite often, is what the best way for a child to receive this education is.

 The clear top contender would be a private school with a good track record that can also teach children a thing or two about the morals the parents hold dear. But this is usually not an option which leaves parents to choose between possibly failing public schools, sometimes questionable charter schools, and homeschooling.

Homeschooling is a choice that is becoming more and more popular with parents. It's is convenient above all other choices, it gives parents more hands on time with their children (something that is happening less and less), and it lets parents control what their children are exposed to, which can sometimes be a little much in many public schools. But this is also biggest downfall to homeschooling. The events that occur within the confines of the school building shape children into, hopefully, mature adolescents. If a child is stuck at home they are going to be deprived of all the sociality that surrounds school. School is a place where friendships are created and life experiences happen, I wouldn't be who I am today had it not been for my public school education.  I also wouldn't want to learn calculus from my mom. 

The next choice are Charter Schools. A Charter School is a school established by a charter between a granting body and and individual group. They operate under much of the same rules as public schools do but usually have higher standards. They may also specialize in things like the sciences or math. Some charter schools have a bad reputation because they tend to pop up all over the place then fail right away based on poor business plans or things of that nature. But there are a few good ones out there. For example, I do my Service Learning at Milwaukee College Prep., which is a charter school in Milwaukee, and every time I get to view a class I am amazed. The children seem advanced and well behaved and the school's plan for getting those kids into college is amazing. From first grade on the children start to think about college and that is their main goal. It's awesome to  see that in a city with some of the worst public schools in the nation. Charter Schools, when they are reputable, are a very good choice for children who want to receive a good education. The only downfall is that many parents often times do not even know about them.

The next choice is the local public school. Public schools are often hit or miss. The public school I went to was incredible. I received a great education from teachers that were more then willing to help and I also made some great friends along the way and had experiences that shaped me as a person. But in a city like Milwaukee, often times the public schools flat out suck. And the sad part is that so many parents do not know they can send their children elsewhere. So these children end up attending a terrible school that affects the the rest of their lives.  Under No Child Left Behind parents are entitled a voucher that is the equivalence of how much it would cost to receive a public education. They can use this voucher for paying for a private school education. But often times it just isn't enough. Although it is a sufficient start.

Overall in these bleak days of education, there is a shinny light in those Public Charter Schools that are taking the initiative in getting our kids to college. The word simply needs to spread.