Argumentative Essay On Charter Schools

“ Charter schools are held ideologically as a vehicle for resurrecting, at once, public education and the economic dominance of American business” ( Fabricant and Fine, 12). Charter schools were and are placed as innovative institutions responding to the apparent failing traditional school system. The charter school I observed did not seem to be practicing innovative ways of instruction, nor did it seem to be academically different than a public traditional school in Chicago. Although, researching their website, the partnerships this charter school system has are propelling and financially rewarding American businesses. It also provides the “image” of giving parents an additional “different” choice, specific to serving the Latino community.

Social resources became significantly different among different geographic areas. After the gentrification movement, the south side of Chicago became home to a large portion of its’ minority population. The southwest in particular became vastly composed of Hispanics. This racial separation is still evident today and it affects social institutions including the school system. As Jargowsky stated, “segregation with schools is further magnified through selection into private schools, magnet schools, and charter schools with themes that appeal to various racial and ethic groups” (Jargowsky, 97). Most schools have “explicit geographic attendance zones” and homogenous neighborhoods, resulting in most schools being racially homogenous. Economic revenue is also geographically separated, influencing a school’s financial resources or the lack

Business leader support is notably documented, and accessible through this system’s website. The partnerships and “awarded contracts” are extensively presented on their website. The contracts include a $433,530.92 compensation to “Zones, Inc.” to “provide its Chromebook Solution” as an equipment purchase; a $80,695.00 compensation to “Quantum Crossings, LLC” for “electrical upgrades” for a term of “approximately 4 months starting March 10, 2015; a $589,900.00 compensation to “ Insight Education Group, LLC” for “ K-12 Curriculum and Assessment Consulting Services” as of June 18, 2014- June 30, 2015). Not surprisingly, as was stated by Tom Toch, “ the bulk of the philanthropic funding comes from five foundations, Broad, Dell, Fisher, Gates, and Walton”, under the “community partners” section in the Charter System’s website, “Michael and Susan Dell Foundation” and “Walton Family Foundation” were listed among the extensive foundations list. This Charter System also receives ample Government Sponsors, including Chicago Department of Housing, Chicago Public Schools, and Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. This brings into question to whom are their statements really aiming to please. Why is “Insight Education Group, LLC” allowed to dictate the K-12 curriculum and assessment when the institution clearly