Families Aunt Becky Their Way Into Performance Arts High School

[dfrecore]

Like I said, if they just put the programs students wanted into schools, everyone would be a lot better off.

Yes, it sucks that they're gaming the system. I already agreed with that. But that's not my point. They shouldn't have to game the system to get schooling that they want. It should be available to everyone! If 5000 students are competing for 250 spaces, then they could put 20 performing arts programs in schools throughout the region and EVERYONE would be better off. Instead, they put in 1. Why? Whose decision was it to do that? Why aren't they providing the educational models students want?

It's the same here with charter schools. Families want options that fit them better. Instead of trying to provide that, the school systems refuse. Believe me, charter schools here aren't getting MORE money than regular public schools. My daughter's charter school campus has no soccer/football/track field. Instead, they have to have parents drive dozens of kids 5 miles away to another school for track 5 days a week. It's a giant pain in the ass. But we do it. Why? Because the charter school is a better option for a lot of kids - they just trade off not having sports facilities. The teacher's aren't union, but there are still good teachers there - why? Because they like the atmosphere better. They get paid less, but have to deal with less crap from administration. They aren't tied to common core, so actually get to spend more of their time teaching, and less doing paperwork.

If school systems actually tried to compete for students, everyone would get better outcomes, even the lower income students (especially the lower income students). They need to step up their game.