Charter schools ruling unfortunate for students

The Washington state Supreme Court ruling on public charter schools is extremely disappointing to the students, teachers, and communities these schools serve. About 1,200 children are relying on these schools to keep their doors open. The fact that the state’s nine charter schools were at maximum capacity indicates the great demand for options among parents.

We must work together to find a compromise that promotes options for our students.

One-size-fits-all learning environments are counterproductive to meeting diverse student learning needs. Likewise as educators we recognize the possibilities for advancement and positive growth in the profession through choice.

Public charter schools promise opportunity for students and teachers alike. Their effectiveness in other states has changed lives and advanced careers. We can’t turn our back on innovation in education.

Washington’s nonunion professional association, Northwest Professional Educators (NWPE), has been both a vocal supporter of public charter schools and teacher choice for years because they provide an opportunity for educators to teach free from stifling union contracts and bureaucracy. These schools provide the opportunity for teachers to advance their professionalism and explore different environments.

The governor and Legislature need to honor the will of citizens, recognize the need for schools of choice, and solve this problem at once. All students deserve education options that put their needs first, not the self interest of entrenched stakeholders concerned with maintaining their power and the status quo.

This story was originally published September 21, 2015 at 9:24 AM with the headline "Charter schools ruling unfortunate for students."