Right now the number of charter schools in North Carolina is capped by the legislature at 100. A bill to eliminate the cap just passed the state Senate and will soon see debate in the state House. Eliminating the cap on charters would be good for North Carolina; the General Assembly should continue to work to pass the bill.
Charters are publicly funded K-12 schools that have fewer restrictions than traditional public schools. They have more freedom when it comes to educational focus, teacher hiring and administrative decision making.
Whether the North Carolina Association of Educators likes it or not, getting rid of the charter cap would be good for the UNC community because it would increase diversity by giving future teachers and students more opportunity.
Many UNC students consider going into teaching but do not want to major in education. Increasing the number of charter schools would provide more options for students who want to follow a nontraditional path to teaching because charter schools have less stringent teacher certification requirements.
Eliminating the cap would also increase diversity within the UNC student population. Charter schools allow more choice in education and provide opportunities for students who struggle in traditional public schools.
Private school is not an option for many students whose educational needs are not met by their assigned public school. Charter schools are free and provide a valuable opportunity to serve students with different learning needs. This kind of choice in education allows students to find a school that fits their needs and have a better chance at success in college.
N.C. charter schools consistently rank among the best in the country and have long waiting lists. North Carolina charter schools are a story of success; the General Assembly should act to expand opportunity to more students by eliminating the cap.
