ED144 The Rise of Vouchers & the Evolution of Charters

Examination of the Plessy era’s impact on educational segregation.
Solidifying the Color Line: Communities of color were compelled to form their own educational institutions.
These groups resurfaced due to the inadequacies of the Brown decision leading to the quest for school choice.

Quotation: "Brown is a magnificent mirage."
Argument that Brown served as an unexpected entry point for charter schools to emerge.

Critique from Joseph Murphy & Catherine Dunn Shiffman highlighting that charters seem to arise without clear connections to past reforms.

The Promise of Brown: Found state-mandated segregation unconstitutional based on psychological research concerning child welfare.
The Letter of Brown: Essentially indicated that the state cannot enforce a segregated education system.
The unfulfilled promise of equitable education participates in the rise of charter schools.

Post-decision, both Latino and African American students remained segregated, some at rates exceeding pre-Brown levels.
Latino children faced the highest dropout rates.
White Flight: Complicated integration efforts as demographic shifts made integration implausible.
Robert Carter's concerns about equal educational opportunities versus the failure of integration principles.
Conflict with NAACP: Disagreements surfacing regarding the impacts of racial separation.

Analysis of the ineffectiveness of desegregation strategies like busing.
The Milliken v. Bradley (1974) Decision: Permitted segregation if not locally intended, stressing local control.
NAACP's continued allegiance to integration amidst rising discontent in the African American community.

African American students are disadvantaged under current integration models.
Ray Rist's observations of educational inequities in Portland, Oregon, emphasizing the impact of socio-economic status on educational experiences.

Dismissal of African American children's struggles as mere “growing pains.”
This issue reflected wider difficulties in urban schools adopting similar integration plans.
Interest Convergence: Policies positively received by dominant groups, often sidelining low-income African American and Hispanic children's needs.

Statistical benefits of attending integrated schools:
- Better academic performance.
- Higher standardized test scores.
- Increased graduation rates leading to post-secondary education.

Despite academic gains, students confront:
- Imposter syndrome.
- Spokesperson syndrome.
- Feelings of isolation.
- Experiences of racial hostility.
- Various socio-economic barriers.
Declining enrollment among Latino children amidst a strong anti-bilingual sentiment.

Communities exploring new political partnerships and reforms in educational choice.
Efforts aimed at dismantling state exclusivity in public education.

A new coalition of disappointed civil rights advocates and conservative factions alarmed by declining educational standards.
Traditional allies, notably the NAACP, marginally pushed aside amid new agendas.
The developing voucher program paves the way for conflicts between the NAACP and emerging black policy makers.