Hello everyone,
TownSquare Delaware, a website that focuses on the more affluent areas of Wilmington and its suburbs, had a good piece this week that focused on the disparities in public education.
The story focused on two Charter School of Wilmington students Sana Nangia and Neha Das and their presentation at the Rodel education conference. They pointed out the dramatic academic difference between Charter and A.I. duPont High School a few miles away.
Charter School was ranked the best public high school in the state by U.S. News. The students were quick to point out that the differences are dramatic as shown in test scores. After all Charter School is a “test in” school that accepts only top students and has a small percentage of African American and Hispanic students
That elite status bolsters the claims of critics that some charter schools “skim the cream” and leave other public schools with fewer achievers.
In the case of Wilmington Charter, the school lured some students who would have gone to private or parochial schools as well as A.I. duPont. Charter’s demographics tilt in favor of motivated families who can provide candidates with tutoring and other services to help make up for achievement gaps.
Wilmington Charter got off to a solid start through sponsorship by leading employers in northern Delaware. Many charters struggle and sometimes fail due to start-up costs that are not borne by the state or school district taxpayers.
But back to the key point made by the students who suggested financial incentives in place for top teachers to devote more time to work with lower-performing students?
As we all know, good teachers can make all the difference.
The concept would face its share of barriers that come with the financial and human resource complexities of the current system.
Also lurking in the background is a Chancery Court decision that could upend the current school funding formula.
The current formula uses a per student allocation, rather than putting extra money for districts with more struggling students. Delaware is one of a handful of states using the obsolete system.
The state has allocated some funds for disadvantaged students, but that money would quickly vanish if an economic downturn occurs.
Still, the idea of incentivizing top teachers to aid students who need help deserves serious consideration.
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