Time to Close Underperforming Twin Cities Charter Schools that serve Black Minnesota's Children

By Don Allen - Journal of A Black Teacher (Editorial Opinion)

Charter schools have been a beacon of hope for education reform for over a decade, particularly in urban areas like the Twin Cities. They promised innovation, higher achievement, and an alternative to the failing traditional public school system. However, a hard look at the data, especially for those schools underperforming for over three years, reveals a starkly different reality. These institutions, particularly those serving predominantly students of color who are at risk, have not only failed to deliver on their promises but have also exacerbated educational inequities. It is time to acknowledge these failures and take decisive action: close the chronically underperforming charter schools.

The Alarming Statistics
In the Twin Cities, many charter schools have students who consistently perform in the bottom deciles of academic achievement. Particularly troubling is the performance of third and fourth graders, who primarily fall within the 0-10 academic percentile range. This is not a marginal issue but a widespread and systemic failure. For students of color who are already at a disadvantage due to socio-economic factors, attending a low-performing charter school can be devastating. It sets them back at a critical time in their educational journey, potentially impacting their academic and professional futures.

Broken Promises and Unrealized Potential
The original intent of charter schools was to provide more freedom in educational approaches, fostering innovation that could later be adopted by traditional public schools. Unfortunately, the reality has not matched these lofty goals. Instead of being incubators of innovative teaching methods, many charter schools have become mired in poor academic performance and management issues. These underperforming charter schools have been given opportunities to improve for over three years, yet there needs to be more evidence of meaningful progress. The persistence of low achievement rates, particularly among vulnerable student populations, suggests a systemic failure rather than isolated incidents.

Disproportionate Impact on Students of Color
The demographics of the underperforming charter schools in the Twin Cities reveal a disturbing trend: a significant majority of the students are children of color from low-income backgrounds. These students often face numerous challenges outside the classroom, including poverty, unstable housing, and limited resource access. Their schools should be sanctuaries of support and opportunity, yet they find themselves trapped in institutions that fail to provide even the most basic level of education. Despite their poor performance, these schools' persistence did a disservice to these children. It perpetuates cycles of poverty and disadvantage, denying students the chance to break free and achieve their full potential. When a school fails to educate its students adequately, it fails the community as a whole.

The Need for Accountability and High Standards
Closing underperforming charter schools is not about punishing these institutions but rather about holding them accountable to the promised high standards. Charter schools were supposed to be models of excellence and innovation. When they consistently underperform, especially for over three years, it becomes clear that they are not fulfilling their mission. It is also essential to recognize that the closure of these schools must be handled with care to ensure that students are not left in a worse situation. This means that closures should be accompanied by plans to transition students to higher-performing schools, with additional support to mitigate the disruption.

The Role of Charter Authorizers
Charter authorizers, the entities responsible for overseeing charter schools, must also be held accountable. Their role is to ensure charter schools meet their academic and operational goals. When schools fail year after year, it reflects the authorizers’ inability to enforce standards and take corrective action. Stronger oversight and a willingness to make tough decisions, including school closures, are necessary to protect students’ interests.

Learning from Successful Models
While the failure of many charter schools in the Twin Cities is evident, it is also essential to highlight the success stories. There are charter schools in other regions that have managed to close achievement gaps and provide high-quality education to students from similar socio-economic backgrounds. These successful models should serve as benchmarks. The strategies and practices that have worked elsewhere need to be studied and, where feasible, implemented in the Twin Cities.

Investing in Proven Solutions
The resources currently funneled into failing charter schools could be better utilized to support proven educational strategies and programs. Investments should focus on interventions that have a track record of success, such as early childhood education, robust after-school programs, and comprehensive support services for at-risk students. Additionally, improving teacher training and retention, especially in schools serving low-income communities, is crucial. Ensuring every classroom has a highly qualified and dedicated teacher is one of the most effective ways to boost student achievement.

A Call to Action
The chronic underperformance of many Twin Cities charter schools, particularly those serving at-risk students of color, is a critical issue that demands immediate action. Allowing these schools to continue operating despite their failures is irresponsible and morally indefensible. Closing these schools is necessary to ensure all students receive the quality education they deserve. The time for excuses and half-measures is over. The focus must shift to accountability, high standards, and the welfare of the students. By closing underperforming charter schools and redirecting resources towards proven solutions, we can rectify the injustices and set a new course for educational equity in the Twin Cities.