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Gabriella is a student at UC San Diego

This past weekend, I watched Fox Business Network’s “Stossel”. Interestingly enough, the subject of the episode was education reform, with respect to school choice. Libertarians like Stossel have become outspoken advocates for school choice, given that their belief system—much like conservatism—is rooted in free market principles, individual choice, and competition. The October 20, 2011 episode, entitled “Stupid in America,” gave a glimpse into the school choice movement.

One particular guest who stood out was Dr. Ben Chavis, an education reformer from Oakland, California. Chavis is the principal of American Indian Public Charter School, which is reputed for being the highest performing middle school in California.

The S.F. Gate profiles his institution below:

Students at the American Indian Public Charter School (originally intended for American Indians but in fact serving the city's diverse racial and ethnic communities) consistently outrank other Oakland middle schools on standardized tests and score among the highest in California. While debate rages as to both the fairness and importance of standardized tests, they remain the former principal's main focus.

Dr. Chavis, author of Crazy Like a Fox, is regarded as one of the country’s leading education reformers. Tough, brutally honest, and politically incorrect, Chavis challenges his students to be attain high marks, work hard, and think independently.

His motto reads, “If you act like a winner, you'll be treated like a winner. If you act like a fool, you'll be treated like a fool."

A 2009 article profiles Chavis’ methods below:

Chavis, a Native American himself, took over the American Indian Charter Schools in 2000 and dumped the multicultural theme.  He said that liberals don't like him because he thinks there should be standards for all students.  He said he learned his lessons via sports where there is no affirmative action - just results.  He got his PhD at the University of Arizona.  He said poverty is the best motivator in the world and he'd rather have poor children than rich to teach for this reason.  He said it is racist mentality to not believe minorities shouldn't have standards.  He said he's never had a child who stuck with his school get shot - but several have who dropped out.  He said that teachers shouldn't need to be trained by the school and if people are lazy he fires them. 

Dr. Ben Chavis is an administrator who cares about his students. He is determined to prepare them for the adult world. If more teachers and administrators embraced his approach, schools would perform better, students would be happier, and teachers would be effective in their jobs.