Charter Schools Are Overrated

With Betsy DeVos as education secretary, the charter school debate has reached a zenith. Hoisting a 25-year track record, charter school proponents argue that their independence, strict academic expectations, and high graduation rates are proof of their success - and increasing enrollment numbers only back this up further. But with education dollars being precious, opponents argue that these schools take away much-needed resources from public schools, and don't deliver the results they claim across states, specifically because they lack accountability. Tonight we put these points to the test, debating the motion: Charter Schools Are Overrated. Arguing in favor of the motion are Gary Miron, Professor, College of Education, Western Michigan University and Julian Vasquez Heilig, Professor, Sacramento State & Founding Board Member, Network for Public Education. Opposing them: Jeanne Allen, Founder & CEO, The Center for Education Reform and Gerard Robinson,Resident Fellow, AEI & Former Florida Commissioner of Education.