By: Myrna Castrejón
By: Myrna Castrejón
California public schools have gone through 18 months of extreme disruptions in education delivery caused by the COVID pandemic – 19. Huddled around computer screens across the state for an entire year, some students have thrived while others have not succeeded, highlighting not only profound inequalities in the systems that support students, but unveiling a new understanding between parents on which learning methods are optimal for their children and on the different learning models available. For many, this resulted in the exploration of different educational opportunities.
The recent California Charter Schools Association (CCSA) annual survey reflects changing opinions, especially for the parents, when they see the current educational landscape.
The good news is that Public opinion for charter schools is at its highest level in 6 years in the entire state. The survey shows that public charter school preference increased from 47 percent to 52 percent and reached the highest level since 2015.
Greater recognition linked to greater favorability
The 59 percent of respondents said they know a lot or something about public charter schools. Those who favor these public charter schools are more familiar with them than those who oppose them.
Increases in favorability were observed among respondents of all political ideologies. That margin has risen more dramatically with Democrats, with an increase of 11 percent from the previous year, as favorability increased and opposition decreased. Half of independents and 73 percent of Republicans have a favorable opinion of public charter schools.
These margins have grown through the pandemic. 27 percent of all respondents say their opinion of Charter schools has become more favorable in recent years.
All Californians want to see more educational opportunities available, especially parents
In addition to the increase in preference , 78 percent of voters believe that parents have the right to choose a public charter school if they believe it is best for their children.
Parents support public charter schools by a wide margin from 56 in favor of 21 opposite percent. By a margin of 24 points, from the 48 to 24 percent, voters believe that it would be good if districts approved more public charter schools. The 53 percent of parents agree. Meanwhile, 60 percent of parents surveyed say they would consider enrolling their children in a charter school.
Charter public school enrollment increased along with privilege and awareness
These results are supported by the latest enrollment figures from the California Department of Education, showing increases in public charter schools. Since the beginning of the pandemic, more parents have turned to charter schools and their flexible and individualized programs. It was public charter schools that were able to use their flexibility and ingenuity to quickly adapt to school closings and mitigate learning loss.
CCSA survey reflects trends in enrollment state, and support for California public charter schools, which offer free, high-quality services to nearly 700, 000 students in 1, 300 schools in the state. California Public Charter Schools will continue to adapt and innovate as they have since their authorization 30 years ago, and in particularly standing out during the pandemic.
The last two years have been turbulent for all families as the COVID pandemic – 19 continues to cause a degree of uncertainty, even as schools have returned to face-to-face instruction. We know that the harmful impacts of the pandemic, whether on the physical and mental health of students or on their social and educational development, will last for years. California Public Charter Schools will do their part to ensure that children in all communities receive a free, high-quality education during this challenging time for all.
Myrna Castrejón is the president and chief executive officer of the California Charter School Association (CCCSA)