Hone Into What Parents and Students Want

An article today talked about the “open enrollment” policies in the Denver school system that began in the 1990’s.  The Denver Post article states that this freedom of choice given to parents has enabled students to find their passion and attend a school that helps them flourish in their given talents and interests.

It’s really no different than choosing the right college.  Each will focus on a specialty that either makes alot of sense to students or doesn’t fit the bill.  I think it’s great to have this choice without restricting the parents to their geographic locale, unless that school happens to fit the bill for their child.  Why shouldn’t we give power back to parents and students?  Is there a fear of losing control and power and money?  Aren’t we a free society that was built upon free enterprise and competition?  Doesn’t that make society better as a whole when you cater to your audience?

Jim Griffin, President, Colorado League of Charter Schools said it nicely…”If there is no choice, then every school and every building has to figure out a way to be everything for everyone who lives in their boundaries.  We don't expect that for other public bodies; why schools?”

Bottom line…give parents and students what they want and continue to fine tune the product.  Let’s stop losing what the focus is all about.  It’s not about test scores or geographic boundaries; it’s about students understanding the information and being prepared for the world ahead.  If we can keep that in mind…then in the end…we all win.