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Charter schools are public schools that are designed to function more like private schools. In 1988, Albert Shanker, President of the American Federation of Teachers, expressed the need for reforming the public school system. The establishment of charter schools was proposed. This movement was a response to the number of parents dissatisfied with the public school system. The only other alternatives at that time were private school or homeschooling. In 1991, Minnesota was the first to implement charter schools. California followed in 1992. Forty states now have charter schools.

The charter schools were envisioned as public schools that would function like a private school. They would be free from some of the rules and restrictions. This would leave them free to evolve to meet the students' needs at a greater rate than traditional public schools. How the school is funded is left up to each state. The majority transfer the funds for the child from the district of residence to the charter school. There are also federal grant funds available and charters can accept donations from private and public sponsors. This is supposed to give charters equivalent money to provide the superior education. However, studies have shown that charter schools receive less money per student than other public schools. For example, charter schools in San Diego, California receive 40% less per student because they are not eligible for local funds.

The reviews of charter schools are mixed. One study, released by the Department of Education in August of 2004, showed that charter school students performed lower in all categories when compared to traditional public schools. The report was immediately criticized. It only included about 4% of charter school students. A Harvard economist, Caroline Hoxby stated that the report didn't have a statistically significant sample size to make the statements. Others stated that when corrected for race and socioeconomic factors the differences disappeared. A second study released in December of 2004 by Caroline Hoxby, Harvard University, studied 99% of 4th grade students in charter schools. Dr Hoxby found that the charter school students performed better than matched students in the charter students' district of residence. Dr. Hoxby also found that the charter schools improved with age. The longer the school was open; the better it performed. Of course, this study is also criticized. Opponents state that the way Dr Hoxby determined school performance was flawed. Again in 2006 the Department of Education released a study which shows that charter schools perform poorly. The debate continues.

While charter schools have supporters and opponents, the schools fill a need for those students who have problems learning in a traditional classroom. Since charter schools are free public education, students from lower income families that can't afford private school have an option for education that better suits the students. I think charters are here to stay.

Learn more about this author, Mary Paliescheskey.
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