Charter
Schools – More Choices for Parents
What
is a charter school?
A
charter school is a publicly funded school that is established
through a contract, generally with the state or local school
board. A charter establishes the school’s mission, academic
program, goals, students served, how the school will measure
success, as well as the length of time the school will receive
public support. A charter school offers parents and students
more choices because it operates independently from the public
school system. It is its own school, similar to a private
school in some respects, however it is a publicly funded school.
Moreover, unlike private schools, a charter school can be
closed if it does not produce the desired results of the charter.
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Why
are parents choosing charter schools?
Many
parents are choosing charter schools as an alternative to
public schools. Perhaps they would like their children to
attend a less traditional private school but cannot afford
the tuition or do not want to send their child to a faith-based
school. Charter schools give families the opportunity to have
a choice in their children’s education. Charter schools
often have smaller classrooms and may use a more creative
approach to learning. Parents in traditional public schools
have no choice about what teaching philosophies or what curriculum
is used with their children. By having more than one option
parents can take a look at what the school is teaching, their
educational plans and philosophies, and actually have a choice
about what and how their children are being taught.
Disadvantages
of charter schools
Opponents
to charter schools argue that charter schools take away funds
from the public schools. They also question the stability
of charter schools. Several charter schools have opened and
later closed due to poor management or financial problems.
Some charter schools last only a few years. Also charter schools
are often not available for middle school or high school students.
This may be a concern for some, as the child will not be able
to continue in the same schooling environment.
Which
states have charter schools?
As
of 2004, 42 states, including the District of Columbia, have
passed charter school laws. The states are: Alaska, Arkansas,
Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District
of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana,
Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan,
Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New
Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma,
Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee,
Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
Of
these forty-two, 38 states currently have charter schools.
There are no charter schools open yet in Iowa, Tennessee,
Washington, or Maryland
(source: http://www.uscharterschools.org/pub/uscs_docs/o/faq.html)
How
can I find information on charter schools in my area?
For
more information on charter schools visit www.uscharterschools.org
Find information about charter
schools in your state.
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