KTEC High School: Debunking Charter School Myths with Facts

Published On: January 10th, 2024
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KTEC High School, situated in Kenosha, Wisconsin, is not just a school; it’s a testament to the transformative power of charter schools in public education. As we adapt to the ever-changing educational landscape, it’s crucial to address some common misconceptions about charter schools. Melinda Tolliver, Senior Manager of Digital Strategy at the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools, sheds light on these myths, providing clarity and insight into the charter school system.

Myth #1: Charter Schools Are Not Public Schools

Contrary to popular belief, charter schools, including KTEC High School, are indeed public schools. They are tuition-free, open to all students, and do not have selective admission processes. These schools are held to the same academic standards as all public schools and school is funded by a direct payment from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. KTEC High School follows DPI processes for reporting data, including high school course roster codes. KTEC awards a regular high school diploma that is fully aligned with the State’s academic content standards, despite its non-traditional, student-centered, project-based approach.

Upon completion of a course, students receive a transcript of credits as well as a competency-based transcript to showcase their competencies and evidence of their learning. Additionally, KTEC students have the opportunity to earn both high school and college credits simultaneously in our dual-enrollment courses. On average, our students earn 4 dual-enrollment credits in their freshman year.

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Myth #2: Charter Schools Are For-Profit Organizations

This is a common misconception. Charter schools, including KTEC, are nonprofit entities dedicated to prioritizing students’ needs. While they may partner with businesses for management services, their core mission remains focused on education, not profit.

Myth #3: Charter Schools Lack Accountability

In reality, charter schools, like KTEC High School, introduce a significant level of accountability into the public education system. They operate under charter agreements that hold the school accountable for student achievement, fiscal responsibility, and organizational performance. If these are not met, the school can be closed, ensuring only the highest standards of education are maintained. 

Click Here to View KTEC High School’s Charter School Contract Issued by the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System.

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Myth #4: Support for Charter Schools Is Waning

The truth is quite the opposite. Enrollment in charter schools, including KTEC High School, has seen an increase. A Morning Consult poll revealed that 58% of parents support charter schools, and this number grows to 70% as they learn more about these innovative education models.

How did Charter Schools Perform in 2023?

In 2023, the academic achievements of charter schools, including institutions like KTEC High School, have been nothing short of remarkable. Students in charter schools across the United States have continued to outshine their counterparts in traditional public schools in various academic areas.

This year’s U.S. News Best High Schools rankings, which assessed nearly 18,000 public high schools on aspects such as student performance, college readiness, and graduation rates, highlighted the excellence of charter schools. Of the top 100 public high schools listed, 21 were charter schools. This is a significant accomplishment considering that charter schools educate just 7% of all public school students and claim over 20% of the top spots in these rankings, a clear indication of the exceptional performance and the commitment to educators, students, and families.

Furthermore, recent research from the Center for Research on Educational Outcomes (CREDO) at Stanford University, analyzing standardized testing data from 1.8 million students across 6,200 public charter schools, revealed that charter school students significantly outperformed their peers in traditional public schools. The findings showed charter students achieved an equivalent of 16 more days of learning in reading and 6 more days in math.

Charter schools, like KTEC High School, have consistently been at the vanguard of promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the educational sector. Approximately 70% of students in charter schools are students of color, compared to 53% in district public schools. This commitment to diversity not only enhances the learning environment but also ensures a broad range of perspectives and experiences are brought into the educational process.

Teachers at Charter Schools are More Optimistic

Teacher enthusiasm regarding the direction of K-12 education is notably high at charter schools, as reflected in a recent EdChoice national poll conducted by Morning Consult. This sentiment is particularly strong among educators at institutions like KTEC High School.

The poll, carried out in October 2022, gathered responses from 1,000 K-12 public and charter school teachers. It explored their perspectives on various aspects of K-12 education, including the teaching profession, educational opportunities, schooling experiences, and school choice policies.

Teachers were asked whether they believe K-12 education is generally headed in the right direction or if it has veered off track. The responses indicated a sense of optimism, with 46 percent of teachers across all school types affirming that K-12 education is moving in the right direction. This optimism was most prominent among charter school teachers, with 58 percent expressing confidence in the direction of their schools compared to district school teachers at 43 percent.

These findings highlight the positive outlook of teachers at charter schools like KTEC High School, underscoring their confidence in the current trajectory of education and the impactful role these schools play in shaping future generations.

Parents and Students in Kenosha County Deserve KTEC High School

In partnership with National Coalition of Certification Centers (NC3), KTEC High School is developing into the national center of excellence for high school technical education programs. We prepare our students not only academically but also for real-world challenges, ensuring they’re ready for the future workforce. At KTEC High School, we stand as a shining example of how charter schools enhance public education, debunking myths and setting new standards in educational excellence by maximizing dual technical college credit and industry certifications to ensure students are future ready.

Join us at KTEC High School and be a part of an educational revolution. Schedule a Tour or Enroll today and see how we’re making a difference in the lives of our students and the broader Kenosha community.

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