What Do You Think About Charter Schools? (Discussion)

In recent weeks, we've covered the . One, , from some Pasadena Unified School District members.

Charter schools like Aveson and retain some independence from school districts with regard to their curriculum and practices, but are publicly funded.

In the recent hearings about the renewals of the two schools, as well as at a , some board members suggested that charter schools use public funds that school districts needs without taking on the same challenges that school districts do.

In the case of both the Altadena charters, the schools have a lower percentage of English language learner and low-income students than the average PUSD school.

Nationally, some school districts have also made the argument that charter schools are a financial drain on school districts and should only be instituted where there is a definitive need a district is not meeting.

At the same time, charter schools do have a lot of public support. A Los Angeles Times poll in 2011 showed that 52 percent have a favorable impression of charter schools, compared to 12 percent who have an unfavorable impression.  The popular 2010 documentary Waiting for Superman also helped draw attention to the schools.

So, readers, what do you think about charters, both locally and for the country in general?  Do you think they can help a district that is struggling?  Do you or your child have personal experience with a charter school?  What are the benefits or drawbacks compared to a conventional public school?  Please let us know in the comments section below.