"Choice" for Parents and Students in Our Schools

I would like to commend Fresno Unified Superintendent Hansen and his board of education for their willingness to increase the number of district-run magnet schools and for proposing the start of a "modified charter" school. These efforts to promote school "choice" for parents and students always entail a certain amount of risk, but they also provide alternative models of education that have great potential of success.

Magnet schools have been around for some time and are seldom controversial. They are schools staffed by Fresno Unified administrators and teachers that have a special "theme." Unlike typical "neighborhood schools," magnet schools are open on a lottery basis (student enrollment must always reflect the racial make-up of the community) to students from across the district. Staffing is very selective. Administrators and teachers must apply to work at these schools, and they are carefully screened to select the very best. While each magnet school has an academic "theme," each must still meet all the California standards required of all schools.

In the early 1980's in Wisconsin, my son and daughter attended The Fine Arts School, one of the first magnet schools in the nation. The school was located in a former school that had been closed because it was in a very poor part of the city. It was spruced up and reopened to a waiting list of students. (Prior to a lottery being established, my experience with each of my children was to set-up my chaise lounge the night before so I could be early enough in the registration process to secure an available opening.)

In addition to the magnet schools, Superintendent Hansen is also proposing to open a modified "charter" school. This is considerably more controversial because while the school would be overseen by the Fresno Unified School Board, it would not have to be staffed with Fresno Unified administrators or teachers. It could, in essence, be "contracted out" to an education management organization that would be responsible for all staffing and day-to-day operations. This proposal is not, obviously, supported by the local teacher union.

I would encourage all parties, to include the teachers, to give the proposed charter school a fair trial. My guess is that most of the teachers would be hired from the ranks of Fresno Unified. It makes sense to hire them since the school district has a large pool of excellent teachers that would love to teach in a different setting and under a somewhat different operation. After all, the teaching-learning process should not be static, but instead, one that constantly is evolving to be better.

Not every parent and child wants to be in a "non-traditional" school, but for some, "school choice" provides a pathway out of a traditional school that is not the best learning environment. Years ago, my wife, son and daughter were willing to try something different with The Fine Arts School. It turned out to be an excellent decision. There is no reason why Fresno Unified shouldn't be providing parents and children in the 21st Century with choice in public education.

Coming Soon...

1. And you think Fresno has budget challenges...try the City of Sacramento!
2. College students, program reviews and jobs.
3. Fresno's FAX bus system is facing financial challenges.
4. A sad farewell to railroad consolidation.

Comments are welcome. Click on "Comments" below or e-mail abriancalhoun@gmail.com