tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16738224314669670.post7611312272535589167..comments2023-04-17T02:59:20.336-07:00Comments on Escape is Possible: A Response on Charter SchoolsPamelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02008081263431261048noreply@blogger.comBlogger12125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16738224314669670.post-31469488267890089802011-10-04T13:27:28.374-07:002011-10-04T13:27:28.374-07:00I'm not familiar with charters run by companie...I'm not familiar with charters run by companies. Perhaps they are like the the online K-12 or something? <br />There really seems to be a lot of variance. The charter schools in my area are all sponsored by local school districts (who get a chunk of the $, I believe) but they operate independently (meaning not having to use district curriculum, materials, methods, a separate school board etc.... still, it's a beaurocracy and I imagine more money goes to it than the kids get) With our school, private businesses like dance studios and curriculum providers probably make a lot of money from the charter, but they're contractors- they don't run it, and they provide the same stuff to the general public too. Also, the school to renew their charter every 5 years, at which time things can always change. <br /><br />We're "supposed to" meet with our facilitator about once a month, but often we see her at homeschool events etc around the community anyway (she is also a homeschooling mom who has kids close in age to mine so we tend to run into each other) I like her and so do my kids, so the meetings are easy- If we didn't like visiting with her, I'd switch facilitators or we wouldn't use the program.<br /><br />In my area, there are also a number of site based charters specializing in different areas like a school of arts, one of science, technology etc, but none are run by companies to my knowledge. It's awesome for kids who "go to school" to have options that fit them too and it seems to have made the regular public schools more competitive with keeping music and art programs alive etc- they know parents have choices and can take their kids elsewhere.Pamelahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02008081263431261048noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16738224314669670.post-39715232438592578602011-10-04T10:21:37.092-07:002011-10-04T10:21:37.092-07:00Pamela, there is a profit being made by the compan...Pamela, there is a profit being made by the company who runs the charter. That's where a lot of the money "per child" goes. <br />I should have been clear about the charters I have researched, the $1600 I was talking about is for vendors.<br />How often do you meet with a representative from the charter? I know a lot meet once a month.Melissa Rhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01506768105367855476noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16738224314669670.post-3627538680025155272011-10-04T08:38:10.231-07:002011-10-04T08:38:10.231-07:00@ Melissa- yes, there is a huge amount of variance...@ Melissa- yes, there is a huge amount of variance in what families are offered, although I don't think as a government agency the schools can end up with a profit. I think they have to spend the money one way or another (whether on salaries, paper clips, textbooks, or kids classes)<br />In my area, there are a number of charter schools (site based as well as homeschool based) Some follow more of an independent study model (school at home), some are more geared towards personalized learning etc. <br />Ours doesn't state a set amount for curriculum for each student, but tries to meet each families needs within the overall budget. We return non consumables when we're done and they go in the library so others can check out for as long as they need. We are in a geographically large, spread out and rural area so it's really nice that we can do library requests online and a bookmobile makes regular drop off / pick up trips to set locations. <br />Our charter does offer a set monthly amount for "vendors" which are local approved (meaning fingerprint cleared and not religious) activities / classes like dance, art, music, karate etc. <br />Other local charters may offer less "vendor money" but they have more site based classes, both elective and core. It really just depends on what a family is looking for, and I know that not all areas have as many choices as I do.Pamelahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02008081263431261048noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16738224314669670.post-607604915305068772011-10-04T08:23:13.921-07:002011-10-04T08:23:13.921-07:00@ Anonymous- Thanks for bringing up another very i...@ Anonymous- Thanks for bringing up another very important service that charters can provide. While I feel confident flying solo- we have done it before and may do it again- many people really seek and benefit from guidance, and would not be homeschooling without it. If the guidance is in the end bringing them closer together as a family (not all guidance does, of course) then I think it has a real positive impact.Pamelahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02008081263431261048noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16738224314669670.post-10036828427966769352011-10-04T07:05:12.755-07:002011-10-04T07:05:12.755-07:00I see that anonymous said that they get $750 per c...I see that anonymous said that they get $750 per child to spend. I know that it varies a lot from charter to charter. What I am wondering is if most of that variance is due to the amount the school system in question spends per child or if each charter is very different in how much they take for their profit. Some charters in CA give each student $1600 to spend. I have heard $1200 as well. I think $750 is the lowest I have heard of so far.Melissa Rhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01506768105367855476noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16738224314669670.post-18243556671368142011-10-03T16:52:03.646-07:002011-10-03T16:52:03.646-07:00I use a charter school here in California also tha...I use a charter school here in California also that gives me a lot of freedom in the way that we school. Having been told by some that what I do isn't homeschooling, I was very careful when seeking out a support group to hang out with. Thankfully, I found one that is very welcoming to me and my daughter.SoCalLynnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16738224314669670.post-795280885877390982011-10-03T09:33:14.321-07:002011-10-03T09:33:14.321-07:00I love our charter school! My sons teacher meets w...I love our charter school! My sons teacher meets with him once a wk to check in & also give me tips/suggestions ! The state allots $750 a yr. For all school related materials/classes/lessons & clubs! As a first time homeschooler who didn't know if we could do it, this is the perfect opportunity! I was also allowed to pick out my own curriculum, as long as it wasn't completely bible based.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16738224314669670.post-66814976236240450462011-09-28T08:13:00.278-07:002011-09-28T08:13:00.278-07:00Thanks for all of your positive comments. It's...Thanks for all of your positive comments. It's nice when we can hear each others points of view and respect them, even if we don't necessarily agree. <br />I love knowing that we have options available to us, and can change what do as we need to. <br />I think one of the best lessons that we can share with new homeschooling families is that they can do what is right for their kids and their family. We don't have to stick with something that isn't working, whether it's a math book or a charter school- if it makes you or your child miserable, you have the freedom to find another way- and that is a blessing indeed :-)Pamelahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02008081263431261048noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16738224314669670.post-68155104539270414232011-09-27T18:48:26.959-07:002011-09-27T18:48:26.959-07:00Thank you for that great post! I agree that we are...Thank you for that great post! I agree that we are lucky in California to have so many choices. We have done a mix of being completely independent and enrolling in charter schools. We just finished enrolling in a charter for this year, which was a big decision for all of us. When I read Melissa's post I felt judged and criticized for doing that, even though I knew that so much of what she said was just not true.<br />I like the way you compare it to a job. My boys really wanted the whole lego Mindstorms kit and software to build and program their own robots. It was not something in my budget, at over $600 to start. They agreed that it would be worth needing to sit for the state tests in the Spring to get supplies like this that they want.Teglenehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15364346929639684808noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16738224314669670.post-70567460200027804622011-09-27T17:22:37.699-07:002011-09-27T17:22:37.699-07:00I, too, homeschool through a charter in California...I, too, homeschool through a charter in California. I find this less stressful than trying to do it all myself. I have a wonderful teacher who collects my paperwork each month without question as too what they are. She is there in case I need any advice on teaching my two girls. My choices for how/what I teach my kids has never been questioned. In addition to the money I receive each year to spend on books, extra curricular activities, or whatever, my special needs daughter receives wonderful therapy. We did not choose to go through a charter school because of this however. There are so many different ways and organizations people can go through to homeschool. I can't understand why someone would judge how another family would do it.Cindynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16738224314669670.post-28621796038939508742011-09-26T08:55:50.382-07:002011-09-26T08:55:50.382-07:00I appreciate your perspective. As an Oregonian, t...I appreciate your perspective. As an Oregonian, this is an issue I was pretty unfamiliar with until Melissa brought it to my attention. I'm not sure what I would do if the option were available here, but I do agree that having choices is a really good thing.simply heidihttp://franticallysimple.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16738224314669670.post-57545152855614068442011-09-25T18:07:38.899-07:002011-09-25T18:07:38.899-07:00It's wonderful to hear so many sides of a topi...It's wonderful to hear so many sides of a topic. There are very few clear cut right or wrong situations in this world, perhaps none. <br /><br />I am happy that you explained what was in your heart as everyone's perspective is equally important.<br /><br />Thank goodness there are many paths available to homeschoolers in the US as one size does not fit all. And thank goodness that we all can express our own perspectives along with hearing other people's. <br /><br />There's a lot to think about in regards to this topic and a lot to learn. Again, thank you for sharing your perspective.Melissa Rhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01506768105367855476noreply@blogger.com