Charter schools 101

Part one of five.

We’re about to begin an extended series about a topic that’s often in the news –– charter schools. I must admit that researching the topic became an education for me. I recently ran a series of broadcasts about charters on WCBS Newsradio 880. There was so much I didn’t know. In the next few columns, I will share what I learned.

I plan to present everything you need to know about the charter school movement, which is having a major impact on our educational system across the country. I’ll define charter schools, explain what makes them different and detail how they fit in with other types of schools. I’ll talk about who starts charters and how they get off the ground. Then I’ll evaluate charter schools. As in the past, I’ll try to present a balanced picture – enumerating the pros and cons, their advantages and disadvantages. Right now, though, I’ll begin with the conclusion I’ll reach at the end of the series –– whether you like charter schools or not, they’re here to stay. In fact, they’re proliferating.

Do you know where charters fit on the education continuum? I am a huge proponent of public schools. I believe they go hand in hand with our American democracy. But charters are just another brand. The question then becomes: Is there room at the table for traditional public schools, private schools, parochial schools, home schooling and now charters — an additional choice for parents?

The origin of the word “charter” school is interesting. It means “contract.” Here is the deal, literally: a charter is a legally binding document detailing a bargain. What, then, is the “bargain”? Here’s the key: Charter schools operate with freedom from many of the regulations that apply to public schools. In short, they can bypass the bureaucracy and red tape that we hear so much about. They get waivers from state rules if — and it’s a huge if — they live up to the terms of the charter.

Most charters (or contracts) are for three to five years. At the end of that period, one of two things will happen: The charters may be renewed if the terms of the contract are fulfilled; or they may be closed if the terms are not met. It’s supposedly that clear-cut.