Letters to the Editor: Michael Petrilli Responds to Richard Whitmire About Ohio’s Charter Schools
As part of commitment to promoting an open and well-informed discussion about K-12 education, we invite individuals from all walks of life – including lawmakers, teachers, parents, and students – to engage in our conversation. We welcome you to share your thoughts and insights by writing to us. You can find recent letters to the editor below. Stay updated with the ongoing debate by subscribing to Newsletter.
In response to Richard Whitmire’s op-ed, titled "Donald Trump, the Best (or Worst) Thing to Happen to School Choice":
Richard Whitmire recently argued in his column that the large but underperforming charter schools sector in Ohio serves as evidence that "choice alone does not lead to the existence of high-quality schools."
In this regard, we agree with him. At the Thomas B. Fordham Institute, we have been vocal critics of Ohio’s charter schools, and we played a leading role in advocating for a sector overhaul that was ultimately approved by Governor Kasich a year ago. The combination of inadequate oversight, insufficient funding, and poorly performing e-schools has resulted in a decline in charter school performance over the past decade. We are encouraged that policymakers have taken steps to rectify the situation.
However, Whitmire’s claim that none of the nation’s high-performing charter schools can be found in Ohio is unfounded and unfair. Despite the challenges, there are exceptional charter schools in the state, deserving of recognition and support. Examples include the Dayton Early College Academy, one of the top "early college" high schools in the country, the Columbus Collegiate Academy and its sister schools in the United Schools network, established by Building Excellent Schools alumnus Andy Boy, and KIPP-Columbus, which stands as a strong KIPP school.
If Ohio policymakers remain steadfast in their commitment, faithfully implement the 2015 reforms, and allocate the necessary resources, we are confident that these charter schools will become the norm instead of the exception. It would be beneficial if Whitmire’s next article could discuss these positive developments.
– Michael J. Petrilli, President of the Thomas B. Fordham Institute
In response to Richard Whitmire’s op-ed, titled "Donald Trump, the Best (or Worst) Thing to Happen to School Choice":
I was disappointed after reading Richard Whitmire’s recent article, "Donald Trump, the Best (or Worst) Thing to Happen to School Choice?" He claims that the Milwaukee voucher program was a total failure, but this is simply not true. In fact, if you examine the comprehensive research compiled by EdChoice, you will find evidence to the contrary.
The program has led to modest improvements in standardized test scores and, more importantly, has resulted in higher graduation rates and college persistence rates among participating students. Additionally, seven studies have demonstrated the positive impact of the program on the performance of traditional public schools.
Whitmire seems to operate under the false assumption that a technocratic monopoly is superior to a system of educational options that align with the desires and needs of parents and children. We do not need more of this kind of rhetoric. What we truly need is an honest dialogue based on the data that illuminates what works and what doesn’t.
Let us focus on constructive efforts rather than tearing down existing systems. – Robert Enlow, President and CEO of EdChoice
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