Charter options

In response to your April 20 article "Would-be charter schools face moment of truth": It is worth noting the actual shut-down rate of alternative charter schools serving at-risk students.

According to the N.C. Department of Public Instruction, 35 operating charter schools have been shut down since 1997. Of those 35 schools, The News & Observer has reported that 21 served predominantly African-American, low-income students. That's 60 percent.

By definition, alternative charter schools face an uphill battle. They use innovative academic and disciplinary techniques to teach the system's most troubled children, the success of which cannot be measured through testing alone. They receive $1,200 less than traditional public schools in tax dollars per pupil. And no matter how unique their curriculum, they must pass the same standardized tests or face being shut down.

Statewide, fewer than half of African-American students pass end-of-course tests. But how often do you hear of traditional public schools being shut down?

We should expect excellence from all schools but also be mindful that all schools are not created equal. When it comes to alternative education, charter schools are just one of many options that should be increased -- not limited -- for poor and working class families.

A. John Bryson

Board Member, Parents for Educational Freedom in North Carolina, Durham