......imo catholic schools are another. Another is online learning (not great for the average student but way better than trying to simply survive the gangs at some schools, and also very good for the exceptional students. It also bypasses the bad teachers). Another is special program funding to some the downtrodden schools. And other ideas such as programs designed to bring parental involvement into the mix.- I am no expert.
My point Is that a problem like this will definitely require multiple solutions. I agree that charter schools aren’t the end all and be all solution. But I think the Teacher Unions have them in their crosshairs because of the threat they represent. Thus, the Dems do too. The R’s reflexively defend them......and we get the overemphasis that you note.