Government-run schools continue to struggle.
This shouldn’t come as a surprise. Monopolies often fail to meet the needs of their customers.
While commonly referred to as “public schools,” a more accurate term would be “government-run” schools. Charter schools, for example, are also available to the public. Additionally, privately-run supermarkets are open to the public for longer hours than traditional “public” schools.
American students consistently underperform in international assessments compared to their peers in other countries. The closure of schools during the pandemic exacerbated this issue due to the resistance of teachers unions.
This problem is particularly pronounced in states like New York, where government influence and union power are strong. Test scores for students in New York are significantly below the national average, with even lower scores in New York City.
However, there is a notable exception in the form of Success Academy, which has been remarkably successful where government-run schools have faltered.
Under the leadership of former Democratic City Councilwoman Eva Moskowitz, Success Academy operates over 50 schools and consistently outperforms other schools in New York State in math tests, despite serving predominantly low-income families.
Success Academy’s innovative approach, which includes active involvement of principals in classrooms and extended school days, has contributed to their students’ outstanding performance.
While critics may point to the demanding nature of Success Academy’s programs leading some students to withdraw, the high standards set by the school have proven to be beneficial for the majority of students.
Success Academy’s emphasis on high expectations and engaging learning experiences has made it a highly sought-after option for parents, with a significant number of families vying for limited spots through a lottery system.
Despite the success of schools like Success Academy, they face challenges in expanding their reach due to restrictions imposed by politicians who oppose privatization in the education sector.
The reluctance of the education establishment to embrace competition has hindered the growth of innovative educational models like Success Academy.
Contrary to the belief that competition diverts funding from government schools, the reality is that spending on government-run schools continues to rise even as enrollment declines. Additionally, government schools receive a higher per-pupil funding compared to charter schools like Success Academy.
Success Academy’s focus on rigorous academics, supplemented with extracurricular activities, has resulted in outstanding outcomes for their students, with all students taking Advanced Placement tests and a high percentage passing.
While the demands on teachers at Success Academy are high, the ultimate goal of student success remains paramount.
Every child deserves access to high-quality education like that offered by Success Academy.
COPYRIGHT 2024 BY JFS PRODUCTIONS INC.
