When education choice first gained credibility and popularity, the notion was that traditional public schools, charter schools and private schools using vouchers would compete, thereby instigating reform and inspiring innovation. The federal No Child Left Behind legislation would aid the process, setting universal academic standards.
Today, education choice is off track. The District is testimony to this misdirection.
Everyone hailed Mayor Adrian M. Fenty and the D.C. Council last year for putting the entire education apparatus in the hands of the executive. That decision came nearly a decade after the District established charter schools. Among other things, principals in those institutions had ultimate control and there weren’t obstacles to hiring or firing teachers.
Traditional public schools lacked similar freedoms. Internal bickering and palpable timidity further stunted their development. Consequently, students didn’t and still haven’t received what they deserve: high quality innovative teachers; a robust and efficient management structure; and adequate resources.
Facing a near impotent competitor, charter schools flourished. The increase in their student population over the last five years is in direct proportion to the decrease in D.C. Public Schools.
The constraints on DCPS are unacceptable and illogical. After all, taxpayers fund both public education systems. Moreover, restrictions on traditional schools make it nearly impossible to achieve the goals of education choice. And the failure to provide comparable resources and conditions could be perceived as discrimination.
“You have to untether public schools to the same extent as charter schools,” says Christian Robey, president of D.C. Progress, a nonpartisan think tank dedicated to promoting pro-enterprise public policy for the District.
He also thinks principals should be further empowered to run their schools “like a business“ and the city should create a “universal voucher program.”
“It’s not just that the money should follow the child, it’s important who has control of that money,” says Robey. Under his voucher proposal, parents would receive $15,000 annually for each child in grades K-12 to purchase education services at charter, private or traditional public schools in the District.
“First and foremost this is about ensuring children get a good education; it has the added benefit of making the [District] a more thriving community,” he adds.
There may be some reluctance to embrace Robey’s ideas. But, District elected officials shouldn’t hesitate to remove the handcuffs on Chancellor Michelle Rhee, giving her the tools necessary for the DCPS to compete effectively with charter schools.
Here’s one step the council could take immediately: Redefine the bargaining units at the DCPS. Currently teachers can’t fully opt out of the union. As many as 600 have indicated such a desire. Still, they are required to pay a regular fee of $25.17 to the union, according to finance officials.
George Parker won’t fancy that idea. But the Washington Teachers Union president is responsible for growing his membership. The chancellor and the DCPS shouldn’t be cast as his lead organizers.
