In
his column, renowned
economist Thomas Sowell reviewed a book called “Outliers” about the unique circumstances
that allow some people to dramatically excel.
The book cites the incredible achievements of charter schools in raising
academic achievement of minority students far above that of average minority
achievement. Excerpt from Sowell’s
column:
One of the most inspiring chapters in
"Outliers" is about a KIPP charter school serving minority students,
whose academic performances far exceed those of other minority students, even
though these students were selected by lottery, rather than on the basis of
ability.
A lot could be done to support and expand
such schools. But a crucial factor in the success of the KIPP schools is a
commitment by the students and their parents to a demanding educational
program. No politician or bureaucrat can create that.
Indeed, politicians and bureaucrats have
done much that has had the net effect of spreading attitudes that undermine the
prospects of using currently available opportunities.
One
of the best things politicians could do to really improve education for racial
minorities is to allow and encourage the spread of charter schools (and of more
school choice in general).