Hospitality in Charter Schools

Marissa De Ruiter

EDU 482

Dr. Mack

October 4th, 2020

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In a recent article, “A Charter Boost for Special-Ed Students and English Learners”, by

Elizabeth Setren, she discusses her findings of special education and English Learner students’

enrollments in charter schools. This topic piqued my thoughts because I have not ever thought

about special education students in a different setting than the typical school. Yet, I am a firm

believer that there is not a single solution for every single student. This ties into David W.

Anderson’s article, “Hospitable Classrooms: Biblical Hospitality and Inclusive Education”

because no matter the type of school, teachers need to be hospitable. As a Christian teacher,

that means being supportive and loving with my students and helping them grow in whatever

form of education is suitable for them.

Generally speaking, when people think about students who need special education, they

do not think about other types of schools. It is about inclusivity in the classroom and the right

resources for students in general education schools. Setren says it well, “When some students

have specialized needs, however, the best way forward isn’t always clear.” (p. 52). Typical

education may not always be the best answer for a student who needs special education. As a

teacher, it is imperative to remember that your classroom may not be suitable for a student. It

is about being open-minded and supporting the student and their family to figure out the best

option for them. Setren makes this clear in her article that charter schools are just as beneficial

to special education students and English learners as a typical school.

Elizabeth Setren researched public schools and charter schools in Boston to see the

comparison in the benefits of special education students and English learners. She discovered

that special education and English language students enrolled in charter schools made

significant achievement gains than general education classmates. “Classified students who
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enroll in charters are far more likely to meet a key high-school graduation requirement, become

eligible for a state merit scholarship, and take AP exam, for example.” (p. 54). One difference is

that charter schools are more likely to have their special education classroom removed and the

general exposure to a charter school environment. Secondly, charter students were moved to

more inclusive classrooms, thus giving students more time in the general classroom and less

time receiving services outside of the general classroom. Yet, with all the positives of charter

schools, Setren does make a point by saying that students enrolled in charter schools are less

likely to graduate high school in four years. The reason for this is because students need more

time to meet the graduation requirements or stay because of financial reasons before they

depart to college. Setren concludes by saying, “…classification removal and increased inclusion

contribute positively to student growth but cannot fully explain charters’ test-score gains.” (p.

58). As a student, parent, or educator, these are all things to consider when finding the most

appropriate learning environment for a special education student.

As a future teacher, it is vital to remember that my classroom may not always be the

best fit for a special education student. Options such as a charter school are a fantastic

alternative. I want my classroom to be as inclusive as possible, while at the same time

understanding that it may not be beneficial for every special education student. Being aware,

supportive, and giving parents the resources for their children is vital for any teacher. As a

Christian, I want my students to feel supported and loved with whatever path of education they

think suits them best.

As Christians, we are called to love like Jesus, which means being hospitable. Not in the

sense of social hospitality but is significantly broader. It means showing kindness, friendship, a
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sense of belonging, resources for students of all backgrounds. As Anderson says, “Hospitality

should characterize the Christian’s life as our lives are shared with others.” (P. 24). Showing

Christ’s hospitality in your general classroom or supporting students in their quest for non-

traditional education is vital for Christian teachers.

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References:

Setren, E. (2019). Targeted vs. General Education Investments: Evidence from Special
Education and English Language Learners in Boston Charter Schools. Journal of Human
Resources. doi:10.3368/jhr.56.4.0219-10040r2

Landis, A. (2020, June 04). [Demonstrators kneel in a moment of silence outside the Long Beach
Police Department on Sunday, May 31, 2020, in Long Beach during a protest over the
death of George Floyd.]. Retrieved September 28, 2020, from
https://www.poynter.org/ethics-trust/2020/should-journalists-show-protesters-faces/
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Be sure the article is within the last 5 years

• Then, write a paper (approximately 2 pages; double spaced) including the
following:
• Why you selected this topic
• Summarize the findings of the article
• How this will influence your teaching or teaching position
• Add a cover page and APA formatted citation at the end
• Include a link and upload your article title in e-learning’s DB
• Relate the conclusion to Biblical Hospitality
• Paste this entire document at the end of your paper following the
reference(s)

Focus – Did your paper have a main idea and 1 2 34 56 6

stick to it?
Content – Did you include details from the 1 2 34 56 6
article, summarized, in your own words? Did you
answer all required elements listed above while
keeping the length appropriate?
Style – Did you use a variety of words and 1 2 34 56 6
sentence styles?
Organization – Did you include at least 3 1 2 34 56 6
paragraphs? Did you use transition words? Did
the order make sense?
Mechanics – Are your sentence formations 1 2 34 5 6 6
correct? Is your spelling correct?
TOTAL POSSIBLE POINTS = 30

Presentation (no formal materials are needed to present such as a PowerPoint) – you will be
summarizing the articles findings, why you chose it, and its relation to biblical hospitality and
sharing this in class

Presentation: 0 0.5 1 1.5 2

Eye contact
Volume
Clarity
Preparedness
Speed
TOTAL /10