School choice makes public education more diverse
National conversations about school choice often focus on private or voucher schools, but, in New Haven, public school choice is a critical part of efforts to expand opportunity for every child. Having choices makes public education more diverse – and that’s a good thing.
As an umbrella term, school choice means giving families the ability to choose from a range of learning options, so they can choose the one that best suits their child’s educational needs. Just as no two children are the same, neither are two public schools the same. In New Haven, school choices include an incredible diversity of public options, including citywide and cross-district magnet schools with intentional specializations, neighborhood schools rooted in local communities, and public schools. chartered.
Diverse school offerings honor student differences, ensuring school programs meet children’s specific needs and create multiple pathways to academic and career success. In particular, the citywide and interdistrict magnet schools serve to reduce racial and economic isolation, bringing together students from many New Haven neighborhoods.
Just consider a few examples of what New Haven offers: At Barack H. Obama Magnet University, students focus on a STEM curriculum and effective communication, receiving language instruction in Chinese and American Sign Language. At the Betsy Ross Arts Interdistrict Magnet School, students study dance, acting and visual arts with professional artists as well as certified teachers. Families can also choose from schools that focus on health and medicine, architecture, media, environment, dual language, hands-on learning, cultural studies, technology, Montessori learning, and Moreover.
Importantly, this diversity of public school options invites parents to participate more fully in their children’s education. Parents know best whether their child will light up at a STEM school or arts school, a nearby neighborhood school, or a magnet school in the district. School choice gives parents a voice in their child’s education, enabling them to serve as advocates for the child’s needs and partners in learning.
Again, all schools are different. Even if every child in Connecticut attended the public school in their nearest neighborhood, the education wouldn’t be exactly the same; administrators, teachers and school cultures would vary. School choice helps to combat and reduce performance gaps, by creating intentional school missions and matching the right school with the right student. It allows educators to teach in an environment that respects children’s unique learning styles, talents, and interests, where they can ensure a student’s curriculum is in sync with these important traits.
This School Choice Week (January 23-29), New Haven teachers and families will join the nation in celebrating how the right school can change a child’s outlook on learning, and even all his life. I encourage you to learn more about the incredible diversity of public school choices in Connecticut this week and share this information with family or friends who may not be aware of all of their options.
The New Haven Public School Options Portfolio shows how educators and teachers can work together to use school choice to promote diversity in public education. The more parents know about their school choices and can make informed decisions, the more we will improve the opportunities for our next generation, giving all Americans — regardless of race, color, or creed — a chance to live their dreams.
Danielle Gregory-Williams is a New Haven public school magnet recruitment specialist.