Virtual Charter Schools and Home Schooling By Carol Klein

Definition

A public charter school is defined as one that is publicly funded but governed typically by a group or organization under a contract or charter with the state, which then exempts it from selected state or local rules and regulations. It may be a start-up school (grassroots initiative) or one that converts to charter status after being first a traditional public school. “An independent public school of choice, freed from rules but accountable for results” is the working definition provided by Manno, Finn, and Vanourek (2000, p. 736). The charter school must meet accountability standards in return for funding and autonomy. Its goal is to close the achievement gap and curtail bureaucratic excesses. Specific legislation is in place to monitor and review charter school practices usually every 3–5 years. Charters can be revoked if the set standards or guidelines on management and curriculum have not been met (NCES, 2003).

Even though the charter school provides an alternative to the tradi-tional educational setting, it must be open to all students. In theory, anyone (e.g., private business, interested parents, and/or community members) can apply for a charter and form a public school if their plan is valuable, workable, and accepted by local governing authorities. State boards of education have been receptive to different philosophies with innovative pedagogical approaches for the conception of such schools (Marshall et al., 2001).

Reasons for Reform

Reasons for the creation of charter schools vary, but motivation generally stems from a frustration with the existing public educational system.