I was amazed, when contacting 61 districts that had charter activity, and conducting more in-depth interviews with 25 District Administrators that proposed new proposals, the wide variation in the level of understanding of charter schools and charter school law. We can develop coalitions, highlight charter good works in the media, but somehow I think we miss the boat when our educational leaders are making decisions and missing opportunities based upon misinformation and lack of knowledge. How can we educate our school leaders? How can we use the media to educate the public about all available educational options? How can we use them to make the distinctions and promote understandimg? Frankly, parents rarely step to the plate to initiate charter schools in Wisconsin. They are drawn into a planning group as the planning gets off the ground. In Milwaukee we have every choice available and many social service agencies step to the plate. Some have had articles in the paper indicating that they got into the charter business to make money, which doesn't help the charter advocacy groups one bit. Every state needs a Senn Brown. The man deserves a medal, and has done more to grow the movement in Wisconsin than any one individual. And yes, he is secretary of the Wisconsin Charter Association, an advocacy group that meets to share and plan to support charters and growth of charters in the state.
Posted as a reply to:
Media & Policy makers by Joe Nathan
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