Poll Shows Tennesseans Want More School Options, Strong Charter School Laws
CER Press Release
Washington, D.C.
May 15, 2012
The Center for Education Reform (CER) released a new poll today showing that Tennessee voters strongly support having more school options and the creation of new charter schools in the state. The poll also revealed strong support for multiple authorizers, which is a key component in ensuring the growth of high-quality charter schools.
The survey, commissioned by CER and conducted by Majority Opinion Research, revealed that 71% of surveyed Tennesseans support the creation of new charter schools and the opportunity to choose among a wide variety of schools. Theses concepts are strongly supported across all demographics including political affiliation.
CER President Jeanne Allen said: “These results demonstrate a demand for more effective ways to educate the state’s children. People want parents to have the power to choose a school for their child based on their needs not their zip code. And they want those parents to have a plethora of charter schools to choose from.”
In addition, the survey found that 57% of Tennesseans surveyed understand and support having more than one entity in the state authorized to approve and oversee charter public schools. Such entities (independent but publicly accountability entities like mayors or universities) are commonly called “independent authorizers,” and are currently in place in 17 states. Research shows that states with multiple authorizers have more and higher-quality charter schools. Tennessee does not currently allow multiple (or independent) authorizers and school districts continue to discourage and reject charter school applicants throughout the state. Tennessee’s charter law currently lacks transparency in funding resulting in inequity.
“It’s clear Tennesseans want the most options for parents and multiple authorizers helps achieve this,” said Allen. “Unfortunately, Tennessee’s charter school law falls short in this area. Tennessee parents should let their legislators know that they want a charter school law that facilitates their right to put their child in the best school possible.”
The report also revealed that despite an increase in support and awareness of charter schools, some TN voters still don’t know that charters are part of the public school system. Of the 75% that said they know at least a little about charters, only 26% correctly defined charter schools as public schools. “As public schools held accountable for results and open by choice, charter schools should be supported with the same tax dollars and facilities support that all other public school students receive,” added Allen. “We will continue to educate the public about the nature of charter schools to ensure they have the information they need to demand fair and effective charter school laws.”
The Center for Education Reform partnered with Majority Opinion Research – a leading Atlanta research organization – to conduct a random statewide telephone survey of 657 registered voters May 3 – May 7, 2012. The margin of error for the Tennessee survey is +/- 3.7%. To see more information about the poll click here.
