Module 6 Local Governance and Education Reform

The purpose of education policy, as you've learned, is to ensure that schools meet society's goals effectively, efficiently, and equitably. Of course, policies do not accomplish these goals directly, but only through their impact on educators and students.

As you read the article, "Charter Schools and the Future of Education" and watch the VICE special "Charter Schools May be the Future of Education," take notes guided by the following questions:

Why has the Charter Schools Movement gained popularity and traction at all three levels of policymaking: local, state, and federal?
What are the challenges and opportunities Charter School policies present for students and teachers in public schools?

Charter Schools and the School Choice Movement

Arguably, the education policy reform that has most significantly shaped today's educational landscape is Charter Schools. In his article, "Charter Schools and the Future of Education" Stan Karp, director of the Secondary Reform Project for New Jersey's Education Law Center and a Rethinking Schools editor outlines the history of Charter Schools as a school reform movement and the challenges that have arisen as Charter policy begins to undermine public school districts in many cases further exacerbating inequitable outcomes for students.

As you read Karp's article take notes on the guiding questions above.

Charter School Policy and the Future of Education

As you watch this VICE News Report on how Charter School Policy is shaping the landscape of public education, take notes using the guiding questions above.