Columbia Public Schools board member Ines Segert has been receiving criticism lately for her decision to enroll her son in the private Columbia Independent School.
The quality of education at this school is revered throughout the community. Which is obvious given the fact that parents, including Dr. Segert, think it is worth 10 grand a year per child.
Dr. Seger's decision reminds us of the importance of fairness in Missouri's education. As legislation currently stands, Charter Schools (or free public alternative schools) are not allowed in Columbia (or anywhere in the state for that matter--besides Kansas City & St. Louis). Therefore, those that can not afford the cost of private institutions are basically stuck, leaving parents powerless against poor performance or unmotivated teachers.
This controversy can also be used to illustrate that school choice efforts SUPPORT public schools. When parents are given options, ALL schools are held accountable, therefore public schools improve and all children are better educated!
School choice must enter any public and political discussion on education!
School choice up to parents
Showing posts with label Columbia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Columbia. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Charter School Interest Grows in Columbia, MO
Current state law only allows charter schools in St. Louis and Kansas City, which is simply not fair!
As a previous blog notes, Columbia Public schools are failing to educate all students adequately. However, most families (especially those with lower income) lack any practical alternative.
There are two people in particular that already expressed interest in providing Columbia parents greater options through charter schools. Myke Gemkow, who plans to open a private Montessori school for low-income children, would definitely look into charter school opportunities. And Joelle Quoirin would open a French immersion school.
Charter schools have proven to produce positive results. A Harvard University researcher found that students in charter schools score significantly higher on reading and math tests than peers in traditional schools. Furthermore, charter schools are among the top performing schools in the Kansas City and St. Louis areas when it comes to Missouri Assessment Program test scores.
Basically, Missouri needs expanded charter school laws for equality for parents and children!
Read the Columbia Tribune Story.
As a previous blog notes, Columbia Public schools are failing to educate all students adequately. However, most families (especially those with lower income) lack any practical alternative.
There are two people in particular that already expressed interest in providing Columbia parents greater options through charter schools. Myke Gemkow, who plans to open a private Montessori school for low-income children, would definitely look into charter school opportunities. And Joelle Quoirin would open a French immersion school.
Charter schools have proven to produce positive results. A Harvard University researcher found that students in charter schools score significantly higher on reading and math tests than peers in traditional schools. Furthermore, charter schools are among the top performing schools in the Kansas City and St. Louis areas when it comes to Missouri Assessment Program test scores.
Basically, Missouri needs expanded charter school laws for equality for parents and children!
Read the Columbia Tribune Story.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Columbia Public Schools are Failing Black Students
The Columbia Daily Tribune: News Story or Blog
The Board of Education dedicated at the meeting last night that the Columbia Public Schools were failing its black students. White students are significantly outperforming their black peers on MAP scores and other achievement statistics throughout the state. However, when comparing achievement statewide based on race, Columbia’s black students are doing well below the state average, while the Columbia’s white students are doing above (which NOT correlate with income level). This means the city suffers from an especially large racial achievement gap.
While it is good that these problems are not being ignored, it is extremely important that something is done about these unfortunate statistics. Every student deserves a proper education! In the face of several failed reforms, school choice remains a viable answer. School choice encourages parents to take an active role in their child’s education by empowering them with options. School choice would, more importantly, offer families outraged at this data the ability to make the proper changes for their children.
The Board of Education dedicated at the meeting last night that the Columbia Public Schools were failing its black students. White students are significantly outperforming their black peers on MAP scores and other achievement statistics throughout the state. However, when comparing achievement statewide based on race, Columbia’s black students are doing well below the state average, while the Columbia’s white students are doing above (which NOT correlate with income level). This means the city suffers from an especially large racial achievement gap.
While it is good that these problems are not being ignored, it is extremely important that something is done about these unfortunate statistics. Every student deserves a proper education! In the face of several failed reforms, school choice remains a viable answer. School choice encourages parents to take an active role in their child’s education by empowering them with options. School choice would, more importantly, offer families outraged at this data the ability to make the proper changes for their children.
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