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The 2011-2012 legislature is expected to vote on whether to allow charter schools in the state of Washington. But do we really want for-profit corporations running our schools?

What are charter schools?

What are their drawbacks?

Who’s pushing for charter schools?

To download a half-sheet flyer on charter schools, click Say NO to Charter Schools Halfsheet

What are charter schools?

Charter schools are public schools that are publicly funded with our taxpayer dollars, but run by for-profit corporations and other private organizations.

Founders of the charter school movement hoped they would empower the disadvantaged, but instead they are further stratifying our schools as more and more charter management organizations take control.

They represent baby steps toward privatization of our school system.

Drawbacks to charter schools

1. Washington State voters rejected charter school initiatives three times.
2. Charter schools have poor working conditions and high teacher turnover.
3. Charter schools are increasing segregation and inequities.
4. Many charter schools raise their test scores by excluding English Language Learners and students with disabilities.
5. There is high pressure for charter schools to outperform regular schools on standardized tests – but they don’t.

Who’s pushing them?

The founders of the charter school movement meant them to help communities run their own schools. But who’s pushing them now?

To name a few:

Billionaires, who think our public schools should be corporately run or who are pushing to cut funding for education

• The Koch brothers – multibillionaires and funders of the Tea Party
• Walton Family Foundation – owners of WalMart
• Gates Foundation
• Dell Foundation

For-profit corporations, who stand to benefit from privatization

• Microsoft Corporation
• Wireless Generation
• For-profit curriculum and testing companies
• New Schools Venture Fund

Venture capitalists, who profit directly from charter schools
New Markets Venture Partners