Give kids choice they deserve

The Washington state’s Supreme Court final ruling on the public charter school law is downright shocking to the students, teachers and communities these schools are designed to serve. Some 1,200 of Washington’s children are relying on these schools to keep their doors open with hundreds more on wait lists. It’s a true shame that the voters of Washington — who approved charter schools by ballot initiative — are not being taken in to account.

One-size-fits-all learning environments are counterproductive to meeting diverse student learning needs. Contrary to the union’s usual antics, educators actually recognize the possibilities for advancement and positive growth in the profession through choice. Public charter schools promise opportunity for students and teachers alike.

Washington’s nonunion professional association, Northwest Professional Educators, has been a vocal supporter of public charter schools and teacher choice for years because they provide an opportunity for educators to teach as autonomous and accountable professionals.

The Legislature needs 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.

Cindy Omlin

Executive Director

Northwest Professional Educators