Charter schools are being considered by parents since the Trump administration has made it a cornerstone of its education policy. And, school choice is gaining momentum. With the start of school quickly emerging, many are considering moving from public school systems to charter schools. So, how do they work, who funds them, and are they better than public schools?
The History of Charter Schools
Charter schools emerged in the 1900s as a school reform idea. Most are public schools that are not under the restrictive regulations as public schools. They however, must achieve specific educational outcomes within a certain time frame. Otherwise, the charter is revoked. The basic difference in a charter school verses a traditional public school is school choice. They tailor the curriculum to the needs of the student body, and they are free from certain bureaucratic procedures that enable them to have greater flexibility of academic needs. They are also free to the public.
In some states, charters receive no local money. They receive funds from taxpayers with public money. However, some schools receive 30 percent less per pupil compared to traditional public schools. This is because charters do not have access to funding streams as the public schools. Also, transportation is an issue for charters. Traditional schools do not make transportation available to charter schools.
Today, there is much debate on whether or not research on charters indicate a positive or negative effect on students in public schools. Charter schools thrive when parents have the wherewithal to apply. Parents apply in advance of attending. Most parents that apply are well organized, usually English-speaking and have the time to look into available schools. However, this does not describe poor, single-parent families. Also, charters use a lottery system and many do not accept special-needs students or students with an IEP (Individualized Education Plan). In addition, there are charter schools that expel students if certain behavior standards are not met.
No doubt, charter school are an alternative to underperforming public schools. And, there is not doubt that they are growing in popularity. If deciding on a school, be sure to visit beforehand and ask specific questions. Otherwise, your choice of schools my not be what is best for a child’s education.
