Motorsports School is Smart Addition

If Horry County's school board gave a 90-day conditional approval to the Palmetto Academy for Learning Motorsports Charter School because it wants to nail down details before issuing a charter, that is fair enough. ("School plan moves ahead," July 7.) However, if it is just stringing along charter advocates before dashing their dreams, as so often happens with school boards when they perceive their turf being threatened, that would be unfortunate.

Many children do not benefit from conventionally structured public education. As evidence rolls in from around the country, it is becoming clear that graduation rates rise when families can choose from among a variety of educational approaches for their children.

A national study released in March by Mathematica Policy Research found that charter schools were boosting graduation rates 7 percent to 15 percent.

PALM would offer a choice for kids who don't necessarily dig Shakespeare but do relish hands-on work in an exciting field such as the racing industry. Being able to practice skills related to a future job could motivate them to acquire the academic basics to round out their education. Horry County should be proud to foster such innovative educational choices.

Robert G. Holland

Myrtle Beach

Read more: http://www.thesunnews.com/2010/07/13/1583156/letters-to-the-editor.html#ixzz0ta6pFCv0