Editorial
Charters, a victory for public education

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After years of debate and delay, state lawmakers have finally cleared the way for creation of a limited number of charter schools. Toss the confetti and strike up the band.

The modest charter-school bill, approved by a margin of just five votes in both the House and Senate, invites innovation to public-school reform. It couldn't be a more welcome guest.

Charter schools cannot solve all that ails public education. But they are a worthy experiment. Around the country, successful charter schools help struggling students achieve, energize demoralized school districts and demonstrate possibility in a landscape of despair.

Public education is at a critical crossroads. Half of our state's African-American, Hispanic and Native American high-school students won't graduate from high school — a number likely to rise as tougher graduation requirements kick in next year. Only a fraction of the state's 1 million students are meeting tough state standards. Sanctions loom for many schools as they fail to make progress mandated by federal law.

It's crucial for the health of the state and its young people that schools figure out how to raise student achievement, particularly among low-income students and students learning English. The status quo is not working.

This is a gradual experiment of up to 45 new charter schools in six years, not a radical transformation of the system. The majority of the new charter schools will target disadvantaged students, giving newfound choice to neighborhoods and communities that have suffered lousy schools for years.

It's true that some charter schools around the country have fared no better than their traditional counterparts, as opponents — including the state's largest teachers union — are quick to point out. It's also true that many are thriving.

Some opponents suggest charter schools will dismantle the public-school system. That's alarmist and unfounded. That hasn't happened in any of the 40 states where they are allowed.

Washington is late to the charter movement, giving our state the advantage of hindsight. The educators who start new charter schools can draw lessons from other states' mistakes and successes.

Gov. Gary Locke, a staunch supporter of charter schools, has said he will sign the bill. Kudos to him and all the legislators bold enough to take a risk for the betterment of our neediest students.

Copyright © 2004 The Seattle Times Company