Kingsland: China Welcomes America’s Best Schools — While Massachusetts Outlaws Them?
Basis, renowned as one of the top charter schools in the country, recently made an announcement about their plans to expand their reach to China and charge an annual tuition fee of $25,000. Education expert Tom Loveless explained the demand for Basis in China by highlighting the desire of affluent Chinese families for schools that prioritize academic rigor rather than relying solely on rote memorization.
These families are seeking educational institutions that can deliver a high level of academic excellence, much like the quality of education provided by Basis. The exceptional reputation of Basis is evident in its consistent presence in the top three rankings of American high schools across various assessments.
Interestingly, while Basis intends to charge a considerable fee to families in China, they are willing to offer the same education for free to families in the United States. The only prerequisites for Basis to operate in the US are receiving a charter from a specific state and the flexibility to hire teachers who possess extensive subject knowledge.
However, in the state of Massachusetts, where Boston is located, these conditions happen to be prohibited by law. Despite this legal setback, some families in Massachusetts are striving to make a change. Unfortunately, they face opposition from politicians who are blocking their initiatives.
Consequently, these families are attempting to circumvent the politicians and directly appeal to citizens throughout the state. Supporters of Great Schools Massachusetts, a group advocating for improved education, recently submitted 100,000 signatures to the statehouse as part of a ballot initiative. Their request is for the state’s Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to grant permission for the creation of up to 12 new public charter schools or expansions each year. Priority would be given to the lowest-performing 25 percent of school districts in the state and those with the highest number of students on waitlists.
Massachusetts is both an exceptionally well-educated and affluent state. It prides itself on housing some of the world’s finest universities and is widely regarded as having the best public schools in the nation. However, the fact that 100,000 families have signed a petition for the establishment of more high-quality schools, particularly in underperforming districts, suggests that improvements are still needed.
For any city, state, or nation to continually remain competitive, it must foster an environment that encourages innovation. This is a principle that Chinese families embrace. Surprisingly, it is also a principle that over 100,000 families in Massachusetts seem to understand, as demonstrated by their petition.
Even the governor of Massachusetts has thrown his support behind the ballot initiative, emphasizing his understanding of the importance of innovation in education. In all likelihood, most members of the Massachusetts state legislature, many of whom are parents themselves, also grasp this concept. However, the legislature faces a challenging predicament.
When you are already at the top, it becomes difficult to be bold. Complacency sets in, and entrenched political interests argue that the current state is sufficient. Whether in the public or private sector, maintaining a hunger for improvement while occupying the number one position is a daunting task.
Great nations and successful companies often decline because they forget that their position of superiority is not due to natural genius but rather the result of hard work, risk-taking, and a steadfast commitment to shared values. Massachusetts is undoubtedly a great state, but when it comes to public education, it stands at a critical juncture.
The trajectory of Massachusetts will determine whether it continues to excel in education for future generations or falls into stagnation. Although the political landscape presents challenges, the path forward is clear.
It will be a remarkable testament to the greatness of the state if its Democratic-led legislature, along with the support of a Republican governor and over 100,000 families, can collaborate to build upon the state’s exceptional educational legacy. Furthermore, in a time marked by political polarization, Massachusetts has the opportunity to serve as an inspiring model for the entire nation. By embracing innovation, entrepreneurship, and pragmatic policymaking, the state can showcase the immense power of these values.
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