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After the Education Wars: The Rise of Alternative Schools and the Fight for Educational Equity

Mitch Foster

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Published in After The Education Wars: How Smart Schools Upend The Business Of Reform

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The education wars of the 1980s and 1990s were a heated debate over the future of public education in the United States. The debate was largely framed around the issue of school choice, with proponents of school vouchers and charter schools arguing that they would improve educational outcomes for all students, and opponents arguing that they would lead to a further privatization of public education and exacerbate existing inequalities.

After the Education Wars: How Smart Schools Upend the Business of Reform

by Carter Dreyfuss

4.2 out of 5

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In the wake of the education wars, a new generation of alternative schools has emerged, led by educators, parents, and students who are determined to create more equitable and inclusive learning environments for all students. These schools are often characterized by their small size, their focus on student-centered learning, and their commitment to social justice.

One of the most common types of alternative schools is the charter school. Charter schools are public schools that are independently operated and funded, but are still subject to state and federal regulations. Charter schools have more flexibility than traditional public schools in terms of curriculum, staffing, and governance, and they are often able to offer more innovative and personalized learning experiences for students.

Another type of alternative school is the magnet school. Magnet schools are public schools that offer specialized programs in areas such as STEM, the arts, or foreign language immersion. Magnet schools are often able to attract students from a wider geographic area than traditional public schools, and they can provide students with a more focused and rigorous learning experience in their chosen area of interest.

Online schools are another increasingly popular alternative to traditional public schools. Online schools offer students the opportunity to learn from anywhere in the world, and they can be a good option for students who need a more flexible or individualized learning experience. Online schools can also be a good option for students who live in rural areas or who have other challenges that make it difficult for them to attend a traditional public school.

Homeschooling is another alternative to traditional public schools. Homeschooling is the education of children at home by their parents or guardians. Homeschooling can be a good option for families who want to provide their children with a more personalized and individualized learning experience. Homeschooling can also be a good option for families who live in areas where there are no good public schools available.

Unschooling is a type of homeschooling that emphasizes self-directed learning. Unschooling parents believe that children learn best when they are allowed to pursue their own interests and passions, and they provide their children with the resources and support they need to do so. Unschooling can be a good option for families who want to provide their children with a more flexible and individualized learning experience.

Democratic schools are another type of alternative school that is based on the principles of self-governance and student empowerment. Democratic schools are run by students and teachers together, and students have a voice in all aspects of school life, from curriculum development to discipline. Democratic schools can be a good option for families who want to provide their children with a more participatory and democratic learning experience.

Free schools are another type of alternative school that is based on the principles of freedom and choice. Free schools are independent schools that are not subject to state or federal regulations. Free schools are often run by parents and teachers who are committed to providing students with a more individualized and innovative learning experience. Free schools can be a good option for families who want to provide their children with a more flexible and personalized learning experience.

Sudbury schools are a type of democratic school that is based on the philosophy of Alexander Sutherland Neill. Sudbury schools are run by students and teachers together, and students have complete freedom to choose what they want to learn and how they want to learn it. Sudbury schools can be a good option for families who want to provide their children with a more self-directed and individualized learning experience.

Progressive education is a type of education that emphasizes student-centered learning, critical thinking, and social justice. Progressive schools are often characterized by their small size, their focus on hands-on learning, and their commitment to social justice. Progressive schools can be a good option for families who want to provide their children with a more engaging and relevant learning experience.

Personalized learning is a type of education that is tailored to the individual needs of each student. Personalized learning schools often use technology to create individualized learning plans for each student, and they provide students with the support they need to succeed. Personalized learning schools can be a good option for families who want to provide their children with a more individualized and supportive learning experience.

Student-centered learning is a type of education that puts the student at the center of the learning process. Student-centered schools are often characterized by their small size, their focus on hands-on learning, and their commitment to student voice. Student-centered schools can be a good option for families who want to provide their children with a more engaging and relevant learning experience.

Trauma-informed education is a type of education that is sensitive to the needs of students who have experienced trauma. Trauma-informed schools create a safe and supportive learning environment for students, and they provide staff with the training they need to support students who have experienced trauma. Trauma-informed schools can be a good option for families who want to provide their children with a more supportive and understanding learning environment.

Culturally responsive education is a type of education that is responsive to the cultural backgrounds and experiences of students. Culturally responsive schools create a learning environment that is inclusive and affirming of all students, and they provide teachers with the training they need to support students from diverse backgrounds. Culturally responsive schools can be a good option for families who want to provide their children with a more inclusive and supportive learning environment.

Anti-racist education is a type of education that is committed to challenging racism and promoting racial equity. Anti-racist schools create a learning environment that is free from racism, and they provide teachers with the training they need to support students from diverse backgrounds. Anti-racist schools can be a good option for families who want to provide their children with a more inclusive and supportive learning environment.

The rise of alternative schools is a sign of the growing dissatisfaction with the traditional public school system. Parents and students are looking for more equitable, inclusive, and innovative learning environments, and they are finding them in alternative schools. Alternative schools are playing an increasingly important role in the fight for educational equity in the United States.

After the Education Wars: How Smart Schools Upend the Business of Reform

by Carter Dreyfuss

4.2 out of 5