Public Education vs Charter Schools: The Battle in NYC

I (Clare) was watching Chris Hayes’ show (MSNBC – All in with Chris Hayes) the other night. He had a really interesting segment on charter schools in NYC. His two guests (Brian Jones, NYC teacher, and James Merriman, NYC Charter School Center) had a “lively” discussion on the battle in NYC between the city and the charter school supporters. The teacher, Brian Jones, who argued passionately and articulately for public schools was outstanding. He laid out the reasons why we need to fully support public schools and the dangers of charter schools. Chris Hayes started the segment with a slick ad that is being used to support charter schools; this was cringe-worthy but it showed how all of us who support public education, need to stand up and make our voices heard. There are powerful (business) interests supporting charter schools which in itself raises a red flag for me.

Here is a link to the segment from Chris Hayes’ show: http://www.msnbc.com/all-in/watch/battle-wages-on-over-nyc-charter-schools-190737987700

If you want to know more about Brian Jones check out:

· The video The Inconvenient Truth Behind Waiting for Superman which he co-narrated http://vimeo.com/41994760

· You Tube clip on the dangers of testing. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A73_keoCWo8

· Or this Tumblr feed: http://brianpjones.tumblr.com/BrianJones

1 thought on “Public Education vs Charter Schools: The Battle in NYC”

Reblogged this on giselawajskop and commented:
I (Gisela) absolutely agree with Clare and I thing the Charter Schools discourse is more dangerous in a “developing country” like Brazil. When I came to Toronto on January, both Chris Hayes as well as the NYC Charter’s Schools were cited as a model in Brazil.
Business people in Brazil and its foundations are pressing public policy to let companies support public schools and are also affecting other initiatives on behalf of the example of NYC. However, we still lack a system of initial teacher education quality even dignified salaries. Public school is also a flag for me. This subject would make a good international discussion!