Reform School

A group is interested in starting a charter school and has petitioned the Mountain View school board for permission. The proposed school goes under the name Collegiate Arts and Science Academy CASA. According to Vicki Hobel Schultz it would bring educational choice to Mountain View. A review of the school's website shows a line-up of flags from many nations, none of which include the United States. Further, the school targets a select group. It's website says:

"CASA Charter plans to serve "highly motivated, high achieving and gifted” children and young adults. “Highly motivated” means highly motivated students at any achievement level. Low academically achieving students are welcomed, and their skills will be addressed. “High achieving” students will be challenged. “Gifted” students will be served. CASA Charter plans to serve "highly motivated, high achieving and gifted” children and young adults. “Highly motivated” means highly motivated students at any achievement level. Low academically achieving students are welcomed, and their skills will be addressed. “High achieving” students will be challenged. “Gifted” students will be served."

Opponents to the school feel the school would weaken existing schools making needed reforms less likely. That the charter school might address some of these reforms is not acknowledged. Also left unsaid is the notion that charter schools most often address the needs of failing students--not the intended students for CASA. By default Moutain View schools would become the schools for low achievers. Those wishing to get ahead of the charter school movement in Mountain View might wish to address that need instead of faulting reformers.