Paper 1

Melissa Freitas

Writing 101

Revision of paper #1

December 16^th 2012

A Simple Solution

It is an evident fact that the education system in America is lacking. The debate arises in considering the possible solutions to this significant problem. One resolution suggested by the documentary Waiting for Superman is to increase the number of charter schools. The educational structure of charter schools would be considered “Executive Elite”, which is a classification established by Jean Anyon in the article “Social Class and the Hidden Curriculum of Work”. Entrance into these schools is very much sought after by students and parents. The development of good public charter schools is the key to accelerating the education of our country’s youth and eliminating the ability for finances or demographics to dictate a child’s potential.

Through Waiting for Superman and Anyon’s descriptions of “Executive Elite” schools it is apparent that there are advantages in the education provided by charter schools. If parents and students are aggressively seeking out charter schools then the simple solution is make them available to all. By concentrating on establishing more well-structured public charter schools in every city all children will have the opportunity to receive an “Executive Elite” schooling experience preparing them for successful futures.

In charter schools all students are presented with equal prospects. Jean Anyon established in her study that students “of different economic backgrounds are already being prepared to occupy particular rungs on the social ladder” (page 170).  By increasing the number of charter schools it makes the choice more accessible for students to invest in becoming social leaders instead of focusing on vocations. Neither a family’s economic background nor demographic location should be restricting the direction of a child’s education.

With an increase in public charter schools economic backgrounds will hold no significance in influencing which children can go to “Executive Elite” schools. Students whose parents can support their education financially have to ability to choose private schools. Private schools fall under Anyon’s “Executive Elite” classification. In Waiting for Superman there was a mother who was struggling to financially support her daughter’s private school enrollment. This mother wanted the best education available for her child but was unable to get it because of money limitations.  If this particular school had been a public charter school such an issue would not have risen, this child would have been able to receive top of the line schooling without cost. 

Also if more public charter schools are opened demographics will not limit which students are able to attend affluent schools. The documentary Waiting for Superman demonstrated the fact that a child’s educational fate is determined by the area in which they live. Students have to attend the school that is in their district of residency. Putting these boundaries in place may seem logical but the families that have children whose quality of education is negatively affected by it see it as unjust.  Developing more public charter schools per area will allow more children to have a choice in their education. The number of children confronted with disappointment when the charter school lottery doesn’t pick them will be decreased.

The film Waiting for Superman presented a glimpse into the great stress parents and students face while applying to their local charter schools. It is very difficult to watch young students get turned away from opportunity because of limited space and random lottery determinations. No parent wants their child to be hit with this kind of rejection so early in their lives; it can be very damaging to their self-confidence. One parent in particular from the film decided to leave her son at home while she went to see if his name made the acceptance list. As it turned out he was not one of the lucky students to be accepted, his mother had to return home and relay the unfortunate news. The results for this child could have been better if there were more charter schools available for him to apply to.    

Parents pursue charter schools in hope that their child can get the best education offered. Charter schools represent a window of hope to poor or middle class families that desire a better outcome for their children but cannot afford private school tuition. The students who wish to attend a charter school also have a clear focus and direction in mind for their life. The students attending these facilities value their education. They understand the significance education holds in determining their future. They do not want to be distracted by disruptive students or struggle for attention from unconcerned teachers

Anyon states that in “Executive Elite” schools “Schoolwork helps one to achieve, excel, to prepare for life”. (Anyon page 181).  Students fortunate enough to attend this type of charter school are being molded into “future doctors, lawyers, and business leaders” (Anyon page 170). They are programmed with the mindset that college is necessary not optional; and so they are being adequately prepared to continue their education. These charter schools have a centralized goal for their students. They aim to see the youth achieve academic success.

Teachers in these facilities are motivated to ensure the pupils develop the skills necessary to obtain top careers.  As Anyon indicated instructors of the “Executive Elite” schools require that the students think and develop their own ideas about the subject being covered (pages 182 and 183). The teachers in the “Executive Elite” schools are shaping students into critical thinkers that can support their own ideas (page 183). These educators are not simply looking for the correct answer from their students.

This plainly displays the benefit of “Executive Elite” schools. These students are learning critical professional life skills. They are being stimulated to voice their ideas and develop support for them. This effectively equips them for future leader ship positions. They are not being shut down and told to simply accept what is. Students are capable of producing viable arguments and possible solutions to current issues; all they need is a solid support system under them. This type of concrete support is provided by charter schools.

I attended a public charter high school. There was only one public charter school in the city I lived in so they only took a set number of students each year and I remember the anxiety I felt when I applied. It was very scary facing the possibility that I may not make it in or that I might not be good enough in comparison to the other applicants. Fortunately I did get accepted and I benefitted greatly from my high school experience. My fellow students and I were very committed to our education. There was never a slacker when assigned a group project, everyone wanted to do well and shared responsibility equally. My school days ran smoothly, I was surrounded by other students as well as teachers that reinforced my academic drive. The teachers were excellent, I felt that they did want to see me reach my full potential and they were ways willing to provide extra help if needed. It is very important to feel supported and stimulated intellectually by your school. Charter schools do deliver these key elements to their students. 

It is possible to reform education. Society must focus on the changes that are achievable. It’s obviously that the financial background a student comes from and the area of residence cannot be controlled. However by investing in increasing the availability of public charter schools that provide elite education to its pupils change can be facilitated. Providing all children with equal prospects for their educational direction is a conceivable notion. This type of education may not be best for every student but the accessibility of the opportunity is crucial for all those that do seek it.