A proposal to limit charter schools in California has left two national civil rights organizations at odds. Cap Radio’s Scott Rodd has the story.
The NAACP and the National Action Network disagree over whether increasing oversight of charter schools and capping their growth would help or hurt black students.
According to Ryan Anderson of the Legislative Analyst’s Office, black students make up 8 percent of the enrollment at charter schools, compared to 5 percent at traditional public schools.
ANDERSON BITE 1: “There are a number of charter schools throughout the state that are specifically intended to serve predominantly black communities.”
Reverend Jonathan Moseley is with the National Action Network and opposes the legislation. He says charter schools offer options in struggling school districts.
MOSELEY RIGHT TO CHOOSE: “People should have the right to choose their children’s academics.
He adds that charter schools can offer a better quality education than many public schools.
MOSELEY HAND ME DOWNS: “You don’t have to worry about getting hand me down products or even books that are outdated.”
Julian Vasquez Heilig (HIGH-LIG) with the California NAACP (N-DOUBLE-AYE-C-P), disagrees. He’s a former charter school instructor, but says he became critical of them after researching their growth.
Heilig argues the legislation isn’t anti-school choice. But it would crack down on charter schools that perform poorly—which he says do more harm than good for black students.
HEILIG BAD APPLES: “Charter schools that are doing great have absolutely nothing to worry about. It’s the bad apples out there that should be really worried.”
The legislation cleared the Assembly Education Committee earlier this month.
From Sacramento, I’m Scott Rodd.
