Former Sen. Franc Flotron, who now serves as a lobbyist for the Missouri Charter School Association, weighs in on the issue of school choice in politics:
"Having watched the Missouri General Assembly for 25 years now, day in and day out, I can say the public school establishment is one of the most powerful political influences in the state...the traditional educational system does not seem comfortable with the idea of parents deciding where their kids are going to go to school. Do I think that’s rational? No."
Why would public schools not support this effective reform? Sen. Flotron shows the importance of putting KIDS first (ahead of political or monetary agendas) and knowing the facts (that school choice is best for everyone. In fact, the only schools/educators hurt by school choice are those preforming poorly. High-quality educators and existing schools will actually benefit from this healthy competition. But most importantly, more children are able to obtain a proper education!)
Ultimately, school choice need the passionate support of Missouri politicians and educators so kids can be properly educated and parents can be deservingly empowered!
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Four New Charter Schools for MO
Announced last week, the US Department of Education approved four new charter schools—three in St. Louis and one in Kansas City—to open next fall. This is certainly a promising step in the right direction.
Though many talk of school reforms, it is extremely encouraging to see individuals taking an active interest in improving our children’s education. The charter schools will offer families a much-needed alternative to inadequate public and expensive private schools. Therefore, an enormous amount of appreciation goes out to those crusading for the necessary changes in the education system of our state—specifically by way of school choice provided by charter schools.
These four schools will undoubtedly bring hope to these communities of a brighter future for more children.
The Story from STLtoday.
Though many talk of school reforms, it is extremely encouraging to see individuals taking an active interest in improving our children’s education. The charter schools will offer families a much-needed alternative to inadequate public and expensive private schools. Therefore, an enormous amount of appreciation goes out to those crusading for the necessary changes in the education system of our state—specifically by way of school choice provided by charter schools.
These four schools will undoubtedly bring hope to these communities of a brighter future for more children.
The Story from STLtoday.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Much More Than a Money Problem
The passing of Proposition A in Missouri sparks the age-old funding debate. But the fact is, that simply pouring more money into a defective system is not enough to produce the improvements the educational establishment desperately needs—both on a state and national level.
Interestingly, the United States spends more money educating our children than we do on defending the country in which they live!
Despite an enormous increase in federal funding - 131% in just the last eight years - student assessments repeatedly indicate that many of our schools are not effectively serving young people or taxpayers.
Particularly in the hard sciences, the students in other counties are consistently outperforming our own. We must train our students properly, particularly in core curriculum areas, in order to retain our ability to compete in the world market.
Though global implications can seem drastic, it is important to remember just how vital a proper education really is.
Unfortunately, this is not simply a quick-fix money issue. The complex problems faced by Missouri schools must be solved by involved reforms based on research and maintained by passionate individuals.
Interestingly, the United States spends more money educating our children than we do on defending the country in which they live!
Despite an enormous increase in federal funding - 131% in just the last eight years - student assessments repeatedly indicate that many of our schools are not effectively serving young people or taxpayers.
Particularly in the hard sciences, the students in other counties are consistently outperforming our own. We must train our students properly, particularly in core curriculum areas, in order to retain our ability to compete in the world market.
Though global implications can seem drastic, it is important to remember just how vital a proper education really is.
Unfortunately, this is not simply a quick-fix money issue. The complex problems faced by Missouri schools must be solved by involved reforms based on research and maintained by passionate individuals.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Education in Politics
Presidential elections bring an increasing interest in politics and issues. While this active participation is a good thing, it is important to maintain (or even increase) this political attention even though the votes are in. Education policy is an incredibly important subject that is deeply affecting the United States--specifically Missouri (and not just during presidential campaign times). Our children need dedicated individuals to remain actively crusading on their behalf. Creating a passionate momentum is the only means for school improvement.
The United States will undoubtedly experience many changes over the next few years, and it is imperative that education remains in the political discussion. For some insight, Washington Post Education Columnist Jay Mattews offers his predictions on the general direction Obama will take our schools based on debates and campaigning.
The United States will undoubtedly experience many changes over the next few years, and it is imperative that education remains in the political discussion. For some insight, Washington Post Education Columnist Jay Mattews offers his predictions on the general direction Obama will take our schools based on debates and campaigning.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Video: St. Louis Schools Recognized for Student Achievement
It is such a refreshing reminder in the depressing face of continually low-achieving schools that there are area schools performing at a high level. Along with all the discussion of education reform, it is important to also take the time to recognize the efforts of those that are truly making a difference right now.
Only 3.9% of eligible schools nationwide receive the 2008 No Child Left Behind-Blue Ribbon School award. Among those were: McKinley Classic Leadership Academy, Metro Academic, Classical High School, St. Peter Catholic School and St. John Lutheran School (seen in the video).
The families that have their children enrolled at these impressive schools are certainly lucky. But ultimately, every single child deserves this kind of top-quality education.
Click here for the KSDK story
Only 3.9% of eligible schools nationwide receive the 2008 No Child Left Behind-Blue Ribbon School award. Among those were: McKinley Classic Leadership Academy, Metro Academic, Classical High School, St. Peter Catholic School and St. John Lutheran School (seen in the video).
The families that have their children enrolled at these impressive schools are certainly lucky. But ultimately, every single child deserves this kind of top-quality education.
Click here for the KSDK story
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