[Mpls] Educational Truth is in the Putting

[Michael Atherton]

Chris Johnson wrote:

> The answer is so simple, I'm surprised you ask the question.  
>  Charter schools cherry pick students who have involved parents. 

This statement is so patently false that leads one to question
how anyone could come to believe it.  Charter schools are
public schools and are subject to all of the state and federal
laws prohibiting discrimination.  In addition, there are state 
requirements that Charters are subject to that traditional
public schools are not.  If you don't believe me you can
read the statutes yourself. Section: 124D.10 Subd. 9.
http://www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us:8181/SEARCH/BASIS/mnstat/public/www/SF
Or, call the Minnesota Department of Education (651-582-8200).
Basically, Charter schools have to take anyone who comes in the
door.

> I suspect, but don't know, that charter schools also get to 
> cherry pick the better teachers, too.  Can anyone address the 
> rules regarding hiring, promotion and firing of teachers in 
> charter schools in contrast to the ordinary public schools?  
> If I'm right, such an advantage would just compound the previous 
> one of picking students with involved parents.

Charter schools can hire who they want, as long as they hold
the proper state certifications.  They are not subject to the
same union contracts as the MPS.  Which is an advantage that
the School Board should have thought about before signing a
new contract.

Michael Atherton
Prospect Park