Charter Schools

September 08, 2008

SEARCH drSpock

my account | sign in

HOT TOPICS

		Pregnancy Symptoms
		Read with Your Kids -- It's Fun!
		Take Our Quizzes
		Play with Your Baby

TOPICS


	Parents are talking about their children. Join the discussion.

Charter Schools

by Robert Needlman, M.D., F.A.A.P.
reviewed by Robert Needlman, M.D., F.A.A.P.

Charter schools are government-funded schools open to general enrollment, just like your neighborhood public school. They are also free to all children, just like the public schools. Charters have sprung up mostly in response to dissatisfaction with public schools. Therefore, it is in the nature of a charter school to strive to "try harder" and "do it better."

Charters operate with more freedom from regulations than their traditional counterparts, and most follow a particular educational vision, or charter, such as "education for citizenship." Charter schools are supposed to receive the same government money per student as traditional public schools, although in reality they often receive somewhat less. Many seek additional support from foundations and private donors.

In exchange for the funding and freedom, charter schools must live up to a higher standard than traditional schools by setting specific academic goals for their students. If a school fails to meet its contractual goals, usually within four to five years, the state can revoke its charter and close the school. Public schools are not required to meet this type of standard.

Charter schools seem to have taken root in the 1970s and 1980s, and have flourished in recent years. By 1998, there were 800 charter schools across the United States. At the end of the 2000 school year, over 1,700 such schools, with a total enrollment of nearly 400,000 students, were operating in more than 30 states.

Benefits of charter schools
Charter schools offer a variety of advantages, which may include:

Self-paced learning

Focus on arts or sciences

More one-on-one attention for children who have special needs (although not all charter schools offer a full array of special needs classes)
Less restrictive classroom environments

Home-schooling options

Innovative, creative, or expressive styles of learning

Charters generally hold your child to a higher or more individualized standard of performance. They are often safer and better equipped than established public schools and usually have a smaller enrollment, offering your child more individual attention.

Drawbacks of charter schools
There is always the risk that a school will close down, leaving your child stranded, at least temporarily. Because charters are subject to fewer regulations, there is some risk that they will provide a worse education than the public schools they are trying to improve upon. This makes your involvement as a parent especially important.

What to look for in a charter school
Educators, parents, community members, and other individuals or organizations with a common vision in education execute a proposal or contract, which is the "charter." The laws and regulations governing charters vary from state to state, and some are stronger (that is, give more autonomy to the schools) than others. The schools themselves also vary greatly in their visions, missions, and how they are set up and run.

When you look into a charter school, some of the things you need to know are:

When was the charter established, and by whom? What is the stated mission of the charter? Are the charter's ideals consistent with your own?

What is the enrollment now, and what are the plans for growth?
Are teachers unionized? How do their salaries and benefits compare with public school teachers? You want the teachers to be well paid, so that the school attracts high-quality teachers.

What are the school's policies toward children with special needs? Often, charter schools attract children who have had difficulties of one sort or another in the traditional public schools. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, but the school should have a plan on how to accommodate their needs.

What role can parents play in the school? Often, charters place a high value on parent participation, and provide opportunities for parents to give more substantial input than they can in traditional public schools. This is an important opportunity to contribute in a meaningful way to your child's education.

How does the curriculum differ from the traditional public schools in your region? The director or principal ought to be able to explain in broad strokes about the curriculum, and how it is special.

You can learn more about public and charter schools from your local or state education departments. Find contact information or do your own research at the U.S. Department of Education website.


RELATED INFORMATION

			Choosing A School
			Choosing a School

Created June 13, 2001
Reviewed August 15, 2004

| |
| | |

THIS SITE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. The information drSpock.com provides is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your health care professional if you have a specific health concern. Mention or advertisement of any product, service, or brand does not constitute endorsement, guarantee, or recommendation by The Dr. Spock Company. Please read our full Terms of Service.