The underfunded school districts of Washington state are doing more for the students than any charter can do. Individualized instruction according to "Response to Intervention," which is in both Richland and Kennewick schools (I'm not sure about Pasco and the smaller districts) identifies students who need more instruction and provide that in the proper setting.
What can a charter offer that is not already available? Transfers are accommodated as the space is available. I'm most familiar with Kennewick, and I know administrators work diligently to place each student where the parent would like. Customer focus is part of the strategic plan.
Skill Centers are an example of magnet schools for students looking for specific career training. Tri-Tech Skills Center has students from seven school districts. Each program has an advisory committee of professionals from the community. Any high school student can attend, free of charge.
There's Running Start, where high school students can attend Columbia Basin College and earn both high school and college credit. To get into the program, students must pass an assessment of academic skills. Running Start makes higher education available to students on a budget.
The beauty of these programs is that they are under the supervision of educational professionals and are accountable to school boards -- members of the community who step forward to service and follow professional standards to be accurate in their decisions.
The Herald called Delta High a "near charter." It's not a charter. It's what public education can do with the support of the community.
Every year the principal reports to the school boards of the sending districts. It's not off on a tangent, doing its own thing. Delta is accountable and is monitored by educators and the community.
For honest investigation of educational reform, check: ksdcitizens.org or parentsacrossamerica.org.
-- Kathy White, Kennewick
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It's time to take a look at charter schools (again)
It's time to take a look at charter schools (again)
Washington voters have rejected charter schools three times but things are different now.
Today, we are one of only eight states that don't allow charter schools. It's not always a good idea to follow the herd, but when everyone else is on a different path, it's prudent to find out why.
In any case, there is an advantage to being one of the last to join the party. Other states already have broken ground, leaving a smooth path for those that follow.
Fast Focus: Corporate con job
Fast Focus: Corporate con job
Washington voters have rejected charter schools three times and for good reason.
There is no reason to think charter schools will be more effective in high poverty areas. Many public schools see significant improvement each year a child is in school. Unfortunately, students can start school up to five years behind (Jeanne Chall, The Academic Achievement Challenge; Ruby Payne, A Framework for Understanding Poverty) and suffer summer reading loss that can add up to an additional one-year gap by sixth grade. It would be far better to invest in preschool education and summer reading programs.
Charter schools are part of the corporate legacy of "reform" that is trumpeted by corporate-owned media. This movement has brought excessive testing, chiefly benefiting companies that develop tests.
Fast Focus: Give it a chance
Fast Focus: Give it a chance
Yes, Washington should give charter schools a chance, and the Tri-Cities is big enough to have a charter school. Charter schools put motivated students, who have motivated parents, with motivated teachers. I suggest the Tri-Cities would benefit from either an arts or a foreign affairs-oriented school to go with the STEM school, Delta High. Two more thoughts: 1) Consider a voucher program for students attending private schools as well as charter schools. 2) Studies have shown that the key factor in determining a class' performance is the teacher (teacher competence and dedication). However, I have to believe that the key factor determining an individual student's performance is the student's (and his or her parents') motivation and dedication. Education is a four-way team effort: student, parent, teacher, community.
-- Chris Wollam, Richland
Mid-Columbia education hits the notes
Mid-Columbia education hits the notes
With all the focus on what's wrong with schools in America and in Washington, it's easy to miss what's right. Right here in the Mid-Columbia, we have outstanding examples of creative, innovative learning with undeniably positive results.
A sterling example is Delta High School. Delta is a Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) high school that distinguishes itself as an inclusive high school. Any student residing within the three school districts can enroll -- no tests, no aptitude minimums, no private tuition and no application screening.
After just two years of operation, the 2010 High School Proficiency Exam (HSPE) results show that, if taken as a separate high school, Delta would rank among the top 5 percent of all public high schools in our state.
Kennewick schools: Messinger
Kennewick schools: Messinger
I have had the pleasure of working with Ben Messinger for seven years. As a colleague, he has consistently impressed me by his professional and diligent approach to any project he commits to. He is a husband and father of three young children, two of whom are enrolled in the Kennewick School District. Ben understands the importance that the family plays in assisting the district with the educational development.
Ben runs for this position out of a concern not only for the wellbeing of his own children but also for families such as my own. My wife and I have four children enrolled in the district as well. Over the years, I have seen Ben volunteer only in areas where he has a strong aptitude and personal conviction.
He has served as a Boy Scout Leader for almost a decade, supervised local high school students with fundraisers and has been a volunteer rescue diver for the Tri-City Water Follies.
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