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