Wondering how you can better advocate for charter schools in San Antonio as a charter school parent? Please take a moment to read this important article: “More Middle-Class Families Choose Charters: A political game changer for public school choice?”, Richard Whitmire, Education Next (Summer 2015).
The conventional wisdom has been that charter school parents are too busy with jobs and life, and not politically engaged. While researching this article, author Richard Whitmire came to visit charter schools in San Antonio, particularly Great Hearts Monte Vista, BASIS San Antonio, and BASIS San Antonio North; he saw that we are politically engaged and ready to advocate for our charter schools in San Antonio.
My tips for being a politically-engaged parent for charter schools in San Antonio:
- Register to vote and vote, especially in the primaries.
- Learn about education policy by following the George W. Brackenridge Foundation on Facebook and Twitter, and attend a “Charters 101” session (as mentioned in the article).
- Sign up for email updates and follow the Texas Charter Parent Teacher Alliance on Facebook, plus the Texas Charter Schools Association on Facebook and Twitter.
- Rally.
- Find out where candidates stand on education issues, and talk with your family and friends about it.
- Learn who represents you, join their mailing lists, and follow them on social media. Go to their open houses and community meetings. Invite them to visit and tour our schools.
- Be “that parent” who talks all the time about how awesome your kids’ school is.
Charter school parents: We have found outstanding charter schools in San Antonio for our children. We need to protect them, and to help them grow so that more families can share our experiences and see a brighter future.
