State PTA supports charter schools

This past weekend delegates at the Washington state PTA Legislative Assembly meeting at the SeaTac Marriott voted to recommend that Olympia lift Washington state's ban on charter public schools.  Here is the language they approved:

The Washington State PTA shall initiate and/or support legislation or policies that drive innovation and accountability in public edcuation by allowing the operation of public charter schools in the state of Washington.

The PTA statement in support of charter schools notes that "charter schools have become increasingly popular in communities where traditional school structures aren't working for kids."

Forty-two states and the District of Columbia now permit charter schools.  Washington is one of only 8 states which does not permit charter schools.  Nationwide, over 1.7 million children now attend 5,453 charter public schools. An estimated 365,000 students are on waiting lists, enough to fill more than 1,000 additional charter schools.  Evidence from states with five or more years experience shows that well-run charter schools perform significantly better than traditional schools. 

As pointed out by the PTA:

Public charter schools are independent public schools granted more site-based authority.  Usually, this frees them up to be more innovative.  Charter schools operate from three basic principles:

• Choice:  Parents choose the school their child attends; teachers and principals choose to work at that school.
• Flexibility: Charter schools can make timely decisions about developing curricula, structuring the school day and hiring teachers who meet the needs of their students.
• Accountability:  The "charter" of the school functions similar to a contract, making the school accountable to parents, to their charter school authorizers, and to the state.

Part of Washington State's PTA's mission is to be a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for the well-being and education of every child.  Charters could promote school choice, flexibility and local autonomy, and give communities new options.