The example of charter schools in Florida

Montana lawmakers have the opportunity to provide Montana’s parents and children with access to charter schools.

Florida first introduced charters nearly two decades ago. And we have seen firsthand the important role they play in comprehensive education reform. Not only are students in charters out-performing their peers in traditional public schools, as documented in a recent report by the Florida Department of Education, but the competition has forced those schools to improve as well.

So whether they attend a charter or traditional public school, all students stand to gain.

Charter schools operate independently of school districts, freeing them of bureaucratic restrictions and allowing them to focus their attention where it rightly belongs — on student achievement. This freedom can stimulate the development of innovative ideas and pathways for fanning the flames of curiosity in our children, allowing the education community as a whole to benefit.

To opponents of charter schools, I ask this question: Why should children have to attend a failing school or a school that doesn’t meet their needs simply because they happen to live in a particular zip code?

No single reform can cure our education system’s ills overnight. But charter schools have a long and proven record of increasing academic results, empowering parents and helping to ensure every child has the opportunity to meet his or her God-given potential. Existing schools should focus less on keeping competitors out and instead worry about improving, so they can win the competition. That way everybody wins.

I encourage lawmakers to take a bold stand for the parents and children of Montana and open the doors to a robust charter school community, focused on providing high-quality education for all students.

Patricia Levesque is the CEO of the Foundation for Excellence in Education. Formerly, she served as an education policy director in the Florida House of Representatives and office of then-governor Jeb Bush.