"Hello, this is Charter Schools, my name is John. How can I help you today?"

[Nikki Stone1]

Yes our call center is in India, but we are very well trained to help you.

What can I help you with, Nikki?

Well that amount of homework, Nikki, is the recommended amount of homework for your child's level, Nikki.

No, that is corporate policy, Nikki. We cannot change it.

Well, we recommend that a child like yours, Nikki, get some extra help from an outside vendor.

No, the supervisor is gone for the day, Nikki.

Well, perhaps you would like to go to our website and leave a comment, Nikki.

[proud2BlibKansan]

1. Sounds like they might schedule a webinar!

That's one of the latest little tricks. A webinar is like a conference call where there are so many other people on the call that you never get to talk, you only listen.

[Nikki Stone1]

2. A control method

I wasn't joking in the OP BTW

[Hannah Bell]

15. some of the "education" corps involved in charters are already global.

[Nikki Stone1]

16. You should list them here.

It would be good to have them.

[JackintheGreen]

5. The shame of it is that web chat applications can be useful

but only as an addition to face-to-face teaching methods. I have used them to great effect in both primary school classrooms (at a charter school which was filled with good ideas and poor execution and was overall a horrible experience) and in university level classes. But participation was limited only to those in a singe classroom at any given time. We didn't even, say, compress multiple classes of the same grade/material into sessions.

The scenario outlined is, unfortunately, seen as a "fix" by lazy education-admins, NOT educators themselves, who more often than not know what they're doing.

[KansDem]

7. LOL!!! I've been on a few of those...

The "teacher" tries to conduct a "class" and invites "discussion." She or he will "call" on a "student" by announcing "We have _____ from ____. What is your question?" Then there's silence because, 1) the "student" didn't hear that she/he was called on; 2) the "student" is just as confused as everyone else as to what's going on; 3) there's a technological glitch that prevents others from hearing the question...

"Webinars" are a joke. Never have I wasted so much time for so little.

[Wickerman]

8. I've attended two webinars

not for class, but for professional development. Turns out each was only a thinly veiled attempt to sell me either the new book pushed by the guest or was a lead-in to attending an expensive professional development conference.

I am sure there are some usual webinar apps, but I find a lot of stuff out there diminishing the brand.

[proud2BlibKansan]

11. The state of MO is holding webinars to get public input

on Race to the Top.

Yep, it's a joke.

[Nikki Stone1]

18. No face to face meetings where they'd be at risk

Cowards.

[azurnoir]

3. Nice work is it based on actual experience? n/t

[Nikki Stone1]

4. It's based on the reality that charter schools are often located out of state

and will eventually, for economic reasons, do what all other call centers have done: go offshore.

[MattBaggins]

10. It's where we will get our teachers from as well

When Americans won't be stupid enough to take on the education debt for a job that is under attack; the corporations will cry to congress that they need to import teachers.

[n2doc]

6. Gotta include something after "get help from outside vendor"

"Would you like to be connected with a Tutorcorp(tm) sales specialist? They will be happy to discuss rate plans with your parents!"

[Nikki Stone1]

17. Perfect!

:D

[MattBaggins]

9. Yes Nikki we realize that it is your tax money

No Nikki we have no accountability. That was for the local stooges on the Boards of education Nikki.

No you have no choices Nikki. We paid your politicians millions to sign a 10 year contract with us Nikki.

[prairierose]

12. Matt, you hit the nail on the head...n/t

[Nikki Stone1]

14. Brilliant.

:)

[Fumesucker]

13. All your chillun are belong to us..

Chilling, eh?

[CBR]

19. Does anyone on DU teach at a charter school? I am interested

in hearing from their perspective... Or a child in a charter school?

I went to public schools throughout the duration of my education and hubby teaches at a private school (non-charter). I do not have any reference point for these discussions of charters.