Exploring Climate, Teaching, and Learning in Charter Schools in Bogotá, Colombia: A Mixed-Methods Investigation

• In Event: 15.051 - International Perspectives on School Climate and Student and Teacher Engagement

Abstract

We studied five public K-12 schools serving poor communities in Bogota, Colombia. These five schools are part of a small, relatively new reform called concession schools (known as charter schools in North America). Our subsequent analysis details successes and challenges around school culture, teaching, and learning in these schools to discuss how charter schools play a useful role in education reform in Bogota but also may inadvertently perpetuate inequalities in educational opportunities as well as perpetuate (and disguise) a deficit paradigm of schooling. We conclude with a look at how educational needs in urban Colombia are, can, and should be addressed by 21st century solutions like the charter school movement but with significant adjustment to teaching and learning approaches.

Authors

• Brad Olsen, University of California - Santa Cruz

• Sandra Garcia, Universidad de los Andes

• Santiago Gomez, University of Los Andes

• Natalia Iriarte