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Nathan: Families win as competing educators cooperate |
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By Joe Nathan
Bud and Anita Pope were like thousands of other Minnesota parents last week. As Anita explained, “We needed a place for our kindergarten, and had not decided which school to pick. When we heard about the school choice fair, it seemed like a great resource.” Bud agreed, “We learned about schools that we did not know existed. This is a great venue.”
Bud and Anita were only two of hundreds of parents who showed up last week to learn more about 10 different options – including district public schools in Forest Lake, Chisago Lakes, White Bear and North Branch, three charter public schools, and several Christian schools.
Susan Edseth, who has a 9th grade son at Forest Lake’s North Lakes Charter, was impressed by White Bear Lake High School’s music program. “It’s a collaboration with the McPhail program. I did not know about this. This fair was a fabulous opportunity.”
Lori Swanson, a White Bear Lake school board member, feels this “was great exposure for our district. We’d definitely do it again.”
Carissa Frederickson, from the Forest Lake District explained that “this was a chance to clear up misconceptions, like the idea that ‘kids get lost’ in our middle school. I was able to help parents understand what we do to give students individual attention.”
Twelve-year-old Tommy was very interested in what he learned about the Forest Lake system. Currently attending a local charter, he told me he learned “a lot” about things like how much time students have to get from one class to another at a district middle school, and what course options he’d have if he attended the school.
Deb Henton, North Branch Superintendent, told me that the district “is committed to providing information to families along with engaging all of our communities in our schools. (Engaging families is) “A proven way to raise student achievement….”
Susan Ortega has several children attending North Lakes Charter, Lakes International, and Forest Lake High School.” She’s looking at schools for next year, and told me “This was a great opportunity to get a lot of information, all in one place.”
Angela Schumacher learned that her child could attend a district public school part of the time, and supplement his education at Wolf Creek (online) charter public school: “I had no idea this was an option.”
Angela’s husband Charlie helped organize the event, which was held at North Lakes Charter in Forest Lake “We were very pleased by the response of schools and families. Two-three hundred parents and students attended.” Several local officials, including Representative Bob Dettmer also stopped by. Folks enjoyed the cookies donated by Ramaley Catering in North Branch. Yes, McDonalds donated its orange drink.
Since 1985, Minnesota legislators have expanded public school options available to families. Last week’s school choice fair was a terrific collaborative effort by educators and schools that sometimes compete for students.
Many parents are busy, and want more information about schools. I hope other communities will build on the Forest Lake area event.
Joe Nathan, a former public school teacher and administrator, directs the Center for School Change, Humphrey Institute, University of Minnesota
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