Here’s hoping the Legislature’s special session to consider a charter school initiative brings real reform.
While the state spends upwards of $8,000 per student annually, student achievement is not up to snuff.
According to the National Assessment of Educational Progress, 82 percent of eighth graders are not proficient in math, and barely a quarter of students are proficient readers.
Charter schools provide flexibility and attract more qualified teachers than traditional public schools.Most importantly, charters introduce competition into the school market. Recent research from Florida shows more competition brings greater achievement.
Charters are a huge step in the right direction. West Virginia kids deserve educational freedom.
Marc C. Oestreich
Chicago, Ill.
Oestreich is the education legislative specialist for The Heartland Institute.