Cautionary Flags for Charter Schools

The Washington Post Magazine, Letter to the Editor

In “Breaking the Monopoly” {July 23}, David Osborne makes a powerful case for charter schools. However, a few cautionary flags are in order.

“Every school a charter school” means every school remains a government school. Charters have much more leeway than regular public schools, but they are still subject to political influence. Teacher unions and other vested interests would work endlessly to bring charter schools back in line with systemic controls, such as teacher licensing and tenure.

A wiser strategy would make charters one market option among several, including vouchers or tax credits for private or home-schooling. That would create opportunities for choice beyond the reach of education’s vested interests and in so doing perhaps also help protect charter schools’ relative independence.