Charter Schools & For-Profit Schools King and Queens of Collaboration

What are Charter Schools? Nonsectarian public schools of choice Accountable to their sponsor –Usually state or local school board Increased autonomy in return for accountability for both academic results and fiscal practices Accountable to: –Sponsors that grants them –Parents who choose them –Public that funds them

What about Charter Schools? Intention of most charter school legislation is to: –Increase opportunities for learning and access to quality education for all students –Create choice for parents and students within the public school system –Provide a system of accountability for results in public education –Encourage innovative teaching practices –Create new professional opportunities for teachers –Encourage community and parent involvement in public education

Who Runs Charter Schools? Independent boards –Educators –Community members –Parents Board controls –Funds & Staff –Responsible for making sure charter goals and NYS Regents standards are met.

Who starts a Charter School? People do (Usually founders fall into 3 groups) –Grassroots organization of parents –Teachers and community members –Entrepreneurs –Existing schools converted to charter Reasons for establishing a charter school: – Realize an educational vision –Gain autonomy –Serve a special population

Who Attends Charter Schools? Part of the public education system –Not allowed to charge tuition –Any student may attend a Charter school Enrollment is oversubscribed –Lottery-based admissions

When and Where did Charter school begin? Late 1980’s Philadelphia –Started schools-within-schools called “charters” 1991 –Minnesota passed the first charter school law –California next in 1992 By 2003, 40states had signed laws allowing for charter schools Since 1994, the U.S. Dept. of Ed. has provided grants to support states’ charter school efforts ($6 million in fiscal year 1995)

Why do Charter Schools Exist? Attempt to provide a more efficient education Some specialize in certain fields Allows parents more choice of where to send their kids Try to help students achieve more – especially low income and minority students

Why do Charter Schools Work? Have more autonomy to make changes in relation to student needs Hold students and teachers responsible for achievement Have freedom to reward performing teachers or release non performing teachers

What are Private Schools? Independent, non-government schools Serve a diverse community Provide religious values based on education Promote a specific educational philosophy Include day schools, boarding schools, co-educational and single sex schools EX. Catholic Schools, Jewish Schools, Montessori Schools, Schools specializing in the needs of the disabled

Who Runs Private Schools? Not administered by local, state or national government Majority are operated by religious institutions and organizations Funds are received through endowments, donations, grants, alumni fundraising and tuition

Who Attends Private Schools? Students who are seeking particular religious instruction Students who are seeking preparatory instruction for college Anyone who is not satisfied with the services available at public schools Students who belong to the community that the school represents

In the early 1990’s Education Management Organizations (For- Profit schools) began to grow. Some EMOs contract with school districts and use tax dollars and venture capital to operate public schools.

The largest EMO is the Edison School Founded in 1991 by Chris Whittle There are 51 schools (in 25 locations) Strong focus on technology 7 hour school day (90 minute classes) 200 days a year

Benefits Specialized (Students with Special Needs)Specialized School/ academic Accountability Parents have free educational choice

Criticism Increased segregation is schools Advocates skew data Financial gain outweighs the educational process