+ School Reform: Charter School Movement By: Sara, Jessica, Alythea, Crissy, Assim

+ What is a charter school? Public schools with fewer regulations due to accountability Non-religious, non-discriminatory FREE enrollment Key characteristics: Frequent teacher feedback Data driven instruction High dosage tutoring Increased instruction time Focus on academic achievement

+ History Originated by Ray Budde and Albert Shanker Goal: reforming public schools = INDEPENDENCE 1991: Minnesota – 1 st to pass Charter School Law 1992: California passed Charter School Law Today: 41 states and District of Columbia

+ Who and Why? Founders Grassroots organizations Teachers and community members Entrepreneurs Reasons for opening Charter Schools Educational vision Gain autonomy Serve a special population

+ Purpose Public school choice System of accountability Encourage community and parent involvement Create competition with neighboring public schools New professional opportunities for teachers Encourage innovative teaching practices BETTER EDUCATION

+ Pros – Up for Debate Families have public school options Provide choice and innovation Laboratories for reform: successful strategies are found Competition - as a means to improve education Leads to overall systematic change Held accountable

+ Cons – Up for Debate Charter school as a business model Issues of fairness and equity Small schools = limited numbers Racial segregation Lottery If rules and regulations are burdensome… All should be waived! Unfair advantage when compared: Smaller and free from regulations Access to federal funds AND other resources Too limited in scope Not accountable if they are free from rules and regulations Rules = created to ensure quality public education

+ Successful Charter Schools

+ KIPP: Knowledge Is Power Program National network of free, open-enrollment, college preparatory schools in underserved areas 109 schools in 20 states and District of Columbia Serving 32,000 students 95% AA or Hispanic/Latino 85% = free or reduced price meal programs Mostly middle schools, but also HS and elementary Develop knowledge, skills, and character traits

+ 89% of students go to college! Beliefs: Demography does NOT define destiny High expectations & NO excuses = college bound Closing the achievement gap Revolutionizing public education in Bay Area 5 Pillars High expectations Choice and commitment More time Power to lead Focus on results

+ ASPIRE Public Schools: Highest API score in CA serving 2/3 high poverty students 34 schools in CA, underserved areas Small schools Small class size Advisory groups More time for learning Extended days and years Block schedule and intersession classes Varied teaching methods Problem Solving, Project-Based Instruction, Apprenticeship