Gabby Giovenco

Mary Monsour
Foundations of Education and School laws
SED 110 01
November 23, 2014

Options and Structures

Public Education is major aspect of life. There are different options of public
education that exist. Different schools appeal to different types of students and often
provide a specialized, or focused curriculum. New schools are constantly developing and
growing into greater accomplishments in education. Some of these options are
possibilities for my future observations in classrooms. Right now I would like to do an
observation at a charter school to see how an independent school functions.
Some public schools that are available may not be the first things that come to mind.
When public education is thought of, it is associated with the high school down the street
and around the corner that all the local kids attend. There are more options than that type
of public school. There are Charter schools, Magnet schools, and even Virtual schools.
These are all public forms of education. These three are just a few examples but they all
hold similarities, and differences of course. Magnet, and Charter schools both tend to
have a focus, or "specialized" curriculum. Virtual schools can also have a focus. Some
students may turn to online classes because their school does not offer a class they are
looking to take. In a sense this makes online classes also "specialized" because these

classes are providing a focus for students.

These three types of schools, because they are more focused on certain types of
curriculum also tend to have smaller, more independently driven classes. For example,
online classes are self-paced, and the class is based virtually. Essentially it could just be
the student and teacher interacting, an extra small class. Magnet schools are designed to
attract certain students to specific programs. The class sizes may ultimately be smaller
because students may be grouped into specific categories, like majors. The classes are
more focused rather than broad. The classes would be primarily dedicated to certain
subjects. Not all students would take these classes, resulting in smaller sizes. Charter
schools are independently managed. These schools tend to be smaller because of they too
have specialized curriculums and funding is limited, it is dependent on the community for
support.
The differences lie within the similarities. Charter, magnet, and virtual schools are
specialized and focused. It is in this similarity that differences arise. Magnet schools are
focused on bringing in students from various backgrounds to create a diverse community.
Magnet schools also tend focus on broader subjects, like math or science, while some
focus on the arts primarily. Virtual schools on the other hand are based online, but their
focuses can fall almost anywhere. Their focus could be defined as a self-reflection
because the only person truly controlling the situation is the one taking the class. A
Charter schools focus is more of a "mission" or ideal. The schools mission could be
to create more jobs for teachers or certain projects involving the students and the
community.
Unlike charter or magnet schools, virtual schools can be attended from

kindergarten through twelfth grade. Charter and magnet schools may have this as
a possibility but it is more likely to be divided into primary, then secondary, or
somewhere in between the two. Virtual schools also provide a more individualized
approach to education as stated before that charter and magnet cannot offer. A charter
school differs greatly from a virtual and magnet school in the sense that a charter school
is funded free of the government because it is supported by the community or others. This
aspect leaves them free to make more independent regulations for themselves, rather than
what magnet and virtual schools are subject to. The state and/or the district regulate
magnet and virtual schools. Magnet schools differ specifically from the two others
because they are subject based; these focuses sometimes require students to take entrance
exams to be admitted into the program. Magnet schools out of the three mentioned are
probably the most specialized in their curriculum because they are specifically dedicated
to certain programs. Charter schools are focused but they are not just dedicated to one
major aspect of learning, like the performing arts. Magnet schools can do this because the
school also provides core classes that differ from the major, but the school appeals to
those who want to focus on specifics. Virtual schools can offer majors too, but they are
different in the sense that they cannot be applied in the same way.
Schools like these and other public schools are going to be what shapes education in
the 22nd century. With the independence that comes from virtual learning, the focus that
comes from magnet schools, and the freedom of charter schools, I see education heading
to more self driven courses that will make students more accountable for their actions. In
the 22nd century I see virtual courses becoming the core way to attend school because it
allows for access from almost anywhere, and I see schools like magnet and charter being

dedicated to the arts. A possible combination, a charter school, independently ran, but
with a focus in the arts. Public education is an ever-growing process that is meant to
appeal to and educate students. It will grow as people grow and advance as technology
does.