Why Giving to Charters School Makes Such a Big Difference
During this holiday season, as you decide how you will give back to the community, we hope that Houston charter schools will be at the top of the list. For nearly two decades, charter schools have dramatically changed the landscape of education in Texas and the United States. Across the country charter schools are being established to help supplement education opportunities, particularly in areas with underserved students. They are places of innovation in education where there are no constraints set by mandated curriculum.
For most charter schools, like Pro-Vision Academy, it’s about more than filling students’ heads with information. It’s about inspiring them to excel; teaching them to respect themselves and others while giving them hope that a better future is possible if they’re willing to put in the work and effort. Teachers are mentors that students feel like they can talk to and trust as they progress through school.
NPR recently reported that one way charter schools in New Orleans are changing the dynamic is by shifting the vocabulary that’s used. Instead of schools, children take pride in attending academies. They are called scholars instead of students. The school system there is unique in that after Hurricane Katrina decimated the area, the city was able to rebuild making charter schools the driving force in education. In New Orleans 90% of students now attend charter schools and their test scores are much higher than they were 10 years ago.
Similar achievements have been seen in Texas as well. The Texas Association of School Boards reports that 97% of charter schools with an Alternative Education Accountability status (for schools with at least 70% of students that fall under the at risk category) were found to be Academically Acceptable in 2007. It’s worth noting that during that year 33% of charter school districts served this at risk student population while no traditional school districts fell into the AEA status.
Why Texas Charter Schools Need Your Assistance
Despite the amazing service charter schools provide, in Texas that isn’t reflected in the state funding. As stated on the Texas Charter Schools Association (TCSA) website there is a discrepancy in funding that shortchanges our students. The TCSA notes that, “Charter school students are given, on average, less instructional/operational funding per pupil than students who remain in traditional school districts, and charter schools are not eligible to receive funding from statewide programs for facilities like traditional districts do.” While the organization and others are trying to affect change in the legislation, little headway has been made to ensure charter school students are given equal funding.
This is why it’s so important that Pro-Vision Academy and other charter schools receive donations to keep their doors open to as many students as possible. If you would like to help make 2015 the best year ever for Pro-Vision Academy please donate today! Whether it’s volunteering your time, expertise or money, we truly appreciate any and all assistance you can give our students.
Original Source: http://www.provision-inc.orgs/giving-charters-school-makes-big-difference/