Charter schools have earned a place at table

The state legislature returns to Austin amid turbulent times for Texas policy makers. Comptroller of Public Accounts Susan Combs released a revenue estimate of $77.3 billion for the next two years, giving lawmakers who must craft a state budget a very hard assignment in the next 140 days.

The estimated budget deficit of up to $27 billion means every aspect of state government likely will be affected. State funds for public education certainly will be impacted, and the significant reductions already made at the Texas Education Agency in anticipation of this budget crunch will not be enough to close the gap.

Finding ways to do more with less is never an easy task. This is the challenge that confronts us as a nation, in our homes and now in the classroom. The situation is not all doom and gloom. In fact, there is some good news in public education.

Texas public charter schools are making headway with students most likely to fall through the cracks of college and career readiness.

This headline is worth repeating and should not be overlooked as lawmakers tend to other big issues this session. The 2010 Comprehensive Annual Report on Texas Public Schools, prepared for returning lawmakers, shows significant gains for charter schools.

In fact, African-American, Hispanic and low-income students attending charter schools made huge gains in passing the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills in reading, math, science and social studies.

Charter schools in the alternative accountability rating system — schools that serve the most challenging students — outpaced traditional public schools by wide margins. They also boosted the number of students who stayed in high school rather than drop out by more than 20 percent.

They’re not only outpacing, they’re doing it with less taxpayer money. Last month’s Financial Allocation Study for Texas report by Combs showed Texas charter districts account for 25 percent of the “five-star districts” that have improved student achievement while keeping expenditures relatively low.

With limited resources for every public school, it’s time to recognize charters are making these gains with fewer funds than other neighborhood schools.

In terms of TAKS passing rates, completion rates in advanced course work or dropout rates at the middle and high school levels, many charter schools are outpacing their traditional public school peers.

The conversation is no longer about whether public charter schools can succeed. The bar has been reached and exceeded; we now need to share best practices to make all boats rise and ensure more Texas students have a real chance for success after high school. Charters are a small, but strong, part of the public education system in the broad mix of Texas public school models.

Charters and traditional public schools need one another, and parents and students want them both.

The upcoming 82nd legislative session is a critical window for reform. The time has come for lawmakers to encourage traditional schools to adopt best practices from their charter peers, to give charters the opportunity to grow and give students the choice to select the best school for their needs.

In such resource challenged times, let’s stop pitting one type of school against another and start recognizing, appreciating and celebrating good news in public education.

David Dunn is executive director of the Texas Charter Schools Association.