Charter schools not all they are cracked up to be

I wonder if Gov. John Engler, who seems to be this state’s strongest advocate of charter schools, has ever visited one.
If he has, he should have realized that charter schools are not the miracles they are made out to be.
A friend of my family happens to work at a charter school in the Detroit area. I have heard stories about this school and have visited it. In my opinion this particular school is not an ideal place.
The school and its other branches are a dumping ground for problem children. Many children at this school were either failing in their old school or had been kicked out because of behavioral problems. Needless to say, the school does not have the highest test scores, and is probably not the most reputable.
Because of the low grade level of these students, teachers are forced to teach below the level of recommendation for their grade. Because of this, the few competent students in their classes suffer.
In fact, so many students fail, teachers are pressured to pass them in any way, either for their own benefit or for the benefit of the school’s reputation.
Since many of these students are problem children and have progressed to upper elementary levels without learning the required material, it is obvious that their parents have no interest in their education.
Many of these parents simply do not care about their children’s education. They do not attempt to confer with the teacher when they see their child has a problem; most are not even aware that their child has a problem at all. If they do choose to meet with the teacher, it is only to blame the teacher for not entertaining their children. Many of these parents come into the classroom preparing to start a fight with the teacher. Many of these parents are oblivious to their children’s problems.
The parents’ negative attitude is reflected on their children. Because the parents don’t care, the children learn to do the same. The children come into the classroom thinking they are able to do whatever they want. They don’t listen to the lesson, they rebel against discipline, and they disrespect the teacher and other students. Many come in with the attitude, “My mom said I don’t have to.”
Because of this, many teachers become frustrated. They cannot reach their students or their students’ parents.
I do not believe that all charter schools are like this one, I am sure that many good ones do exist. I am merely asking that all those who swear by charter schools, open their eyes: not all these schools are the miracle that they are made out to be.