post # 5

My experience at the Next Step Charter School has provided me with a ‘real life’ example of a charter school with a positive impact on the DCPS reform movement. Due to its specificity, small student body, and financial position, Next Step has created an environment where kids feel comfortable learning. Our class focused on the ability to think critically about pubic schools and my paper topic involved an examination of a type of charter school that really should not exist. Next Step demonstrated a type of charter school that does have a positive effect in a very tangible way. I was always impressed by how eager to learn the students seemed to be and by their lack of hesitation to ask a question. To facilitate that kind of environment with a group of teenage kids is a huge challenge. One thing that I really think about a lot, in terms of something that remains an issue for Next Step and for public schools in general is the question of what happens next. Several times I talked to teachers and the community service coordinator about what Next Step provides for the kids in terms of college application advice or employment searches…basically if there was anything they do to help kids get on their way in the future. Their vague answers made me realize that this was a huge issue that must be addressed. There is no point in bringing these students so far in their education if the school will just loose track of them after graduation. It is so important to help kids plan for what they will do after school, and keep in touch with alumni to make sure they are off on the right foot. If there were to be any personal issue or endeavor that I would pursue after witnessing this program, the Next Step into the ‘real world’ would be it.