Charter School Rebirth-Introduction to the Challenges of Charter School Leadership and Culture Change
Why are Twin Cities charter schools failing Black Students? Is it a characteristic of charter schools in general, or is it something about Charter School Leadership and how these particular Twin Cities charter schools are being run?
This Problem-Solving Proposal will provide mixed findings on why Twin Cities charter schools are failing Black students. Richardson (2017) argues that charter schools don't serve Black children well, citing concerns about transparency, accountability, discipline, and segregation. Hoxby (2009) found that charter schools in New York City tend to be located in disadvantaged neighborhoods and serve students who are substantially poorer than the average public school student in New York City (Kingsbury, 2022) hypothesizes that charter schools established by African Americans and those that serve more African American students are more likely to close and that state-imposed standardized closure rules exacerbate these inequities. Almond (2012) introduces the concept of The Black Charter School Effect, which encompasses the ability of public charter schools to attract and educate Black students successfully. Overall, my research suggests that there may be systemic issues with charter schools that disproportionately affect Black students, but more research is needed to determine the specific causes of these issues in Twin Cities charter school leadership.
The success of Black-run charter schools in the Twin Cities, like any educational institution depends on a combination of factors that contribute to positive outcomes for students and the community. Success for Black-run charter schools in the Twin Cities is not just about academic achievement but also about creating a supportive, empowering, and culturally responsive educational experience. Achieving this success may require collaboration with local organizations, community members, and policymakers to address systemic challenges and promote equity in education. It's a complex but essential journey, and community commitment and dedication are key. When a charter school in a poor community fails its students and the community, it can have serious and far-reaching consequences. It's important to note that not all charter schools fail, and many charter schools in low-income communities are successful in providing high-quality education. However, when failures occur, they can have significant repercussions for students and communities. Effective oversight, accountability measures, and community engagement are essential in preventing and addressing such failures to ensure that all students have access to quality education.