In The News.
Monday, November 01, 2010
Charters Offer Students Advantages
By Antonia Sarvis
Charter School Student
I am currently a junior at Gilbert L. Sena Charter High School in Albuquerque. When I heard that the Legislative Finance Committee was considering cutting funding from charter schools, I was very perturbed.
If funding were cut, many charter schools would close. This would be disastrous to both the students in attendance of charters and to the students looking for an alternative to public and private school.
I am of the strong opinion that charter schools offer a terrific alternative to public and private schools.
Sena is the best thing that ever happened for my education. Before my enrollment at Sena, I had attended two different public schools in Albuquerque with none too admirable results; to put it shortly, my grades weren't exactly up to par and my attendance was of the same quality.
I think that many students who are currently and have previously attended charters would relate to my story and testify that their history with public/private school was similar, and that transferring to a charter school was a very good choice.
An issue with public schools is crowding. The classrooms have so many children in them that it's hard to learn anything; the teachers end up spending most of the class time trying to get everyone to be quiet and listen and usually don't even get to the full scope of the day's assignment on time.
Another issue with public schools is detachment. With classrooms being as crowded as they are, it is often difficult to give individual students the one-on-one help and support the student may need.
From my registration at Sena until today, both my personal outlook and education have improved tremendously.
When I first arrived, I was very behind on my credits and was due to be reclassified as a sophomore in the fall of 2010. Fall 2010-Spring 2011 was projected to be my junior year, based on when I'd entered high school, and I was feeling discouraged about my hindered progress.
I was dreading having to graduate late and not getting to "walk the line" with my peers in 2012. However, I felt more hopeful after registering.
After explaining my situation to the counselors and administrators involved with my registration, it was made known to me that the academic program at Sena is self-paced.
This means the students work at their own pace and essentially teach themselves; this eliminates any feelings of inadequacy a student may have felt and aids in more extensive lesson comprehension by students.
Teachers are close by to consult with and assist with any areas of confusion the student encounters.
Also, if a student has issues with one of his or her classes or has an academics-related question, scheduling an appointment with the counselor is easy and can be done at any time during the school day.
Because charter schools have a smaller student body than public schools, the counselor has time to meet with and talk to any student who needs their help without having to rush. Also because of the smaller student body, the teachers and students are all familiar and friendly with each other.
This makes for a safer-feeling environment where the student feels they have people nearby who care about and want to help them with any aspect of their life.
Because of the self-paced program at Sena, I am now on track to graduate on, if not slightly ahead, of schedule. I'm happier here than I ever was at any public school I attended.
In conclusion, I will offer my opinion again that charter schools provide a very important alternative to private and public schools. Charters offer programs and options not offered at public/private schools that assist students, whether the students need to make up several credits or just need a little extra push to get motivated. It is extremely important that our charter schools remain open.
Posted November 01, 2010