Charter Schools Are Overrated
Debate Details

In the 25 years since Minnesota passed the first charter school law, these publicly funded but privately operated schools have become a highly sought-after alternative to traditional public education, particularly for underserved students in urban areas. Between 2004 and 2014 alone, charter school enrollment increased from less than 1 million to 2.5 million students. Many charter schools boast of high test scores, strict academic expectations, and high graduation rates, and for some, their growth is evidence of their success. But have these schools lived up to their promise? Opponents argue that charters, which are subject to fewer regulations and less oversight, lack accountability, take much-needed resources from public schools, and pick and choose their student body. Are charter schools overrated?
The Debaters
For the motion

Gary Miron
Gary Miron is Professor in Evaluation, Measurement, and Research at Western Michigan University. He has extensive experience evaluating school... Read More

Julian Vasquez Heilig
Julian Vasquez Heilig is an award-winning teacher, researcher, and blogger. He is currently a professor of educational leadership and policy studies... Read More
Against the motion

Jeanne Allen
Jeanne Allen is the pioneering visionary at the forefront of school choice success stories through the nation. Jeanne founded the Center for Education... Read More

Gerard Robinson
Gerard Robinson is a resident fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, where he works on education policy issues including choice in public and... Read More
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