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CHARTER SCHOOLS
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| What is a charter school? |
| A Charter school is a public school of choice. Charter schools
are independently governed, flexible and have freedom to set
their own rules on such issues as curriculum, teaching style,
personnel, and discipline. A charter school can offer a student-directed
learning environment or alternative programs that meet the
needs of students. |
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| What is the purpose of charter schools? |
| Charter schools are established to provide a learning environment
that will improve pupil achievement. Charter schools are created
to provide additional academic choices for parents and students. |
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| Benefits |
- Increase opportunities for learning and access to quality
education for all students
- Create choice for parents and students within the public
school system
- Provide a system of accountability for results in public
education
- Encourage innovative teaching practices
- Create new professional opportunities for teachers
- Encourage community and parent involvement in public
education
- Leverage improved public education broadly
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| What makes charter schools effective? |
| Charter schools allow teachers and principals to respond
immediately and accurately to specific educational needs within
a community. They offer complete site-based decision-making.
Charter schools provide full contractual and budgetary autonomy.
In providing a choice in educational options, charter schools
stimulate competition to raise the standard for all students.
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| How do charter schools differ from traditional public
schools? |
Charter schools must participate in the state assessment
system. They must meet state graduation requirements. They
must achieve locally negotiated student performance goals.
They must meet any other specified requirements particular
to state in which the charter is granted.
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