|
Charter schools provide parents a choice in the education of their children. Public tax dollars are the primary funding sources for charter schools. Local, state, and federal dollars follow the child to a charter school. The schools have open enrollment with no discrimination, no religious associations, and no tuition.
NCPublicSchools.org
|
Charter Schools...
Vital Alternative to Traditional Public Schools
(excerpts from article Spring 2006 Conservative Citizen by Jason Bennett)
|
|
"Charter schools are fast becoming the best solution to the education woes that plague too many North Carolina students.
"Charter schools are a vital alternative to public schools.
"There are charter schools in all 50 states; all acting individually from one another, but sharing the same structure and mission. Every charter school is an independent public school that operates autonomously of the local board of education. In actuality, charter schools act as a one-school public school district.
"Depending on each individual charter school, the educators, parents, community leaders or educational entrepreneurs write the charter plan describing the school's guiding principles, governance structure and applicable accountability measures. If the state approves the charter, the state funds the charter on a per-pupil basis.
"North Carolina charter schools receive the same state and federal funding as traditional public schools - funding that follows each student from school to school. The only difference is that charter schools do not receive any capital funding for facilities.
"There are three characteristics that describe charter schools: accountability, choice and autonomy.
"Charter schools are held responsible for how well they educate students in a safe and responsible environment, and not for compliance with school district and state regulations. Charter schools are judged on how well they meet student achievement goals established by their own charter, and how well they manage the fiscal and operational responsibilities entrusted to the school.
"Charter schools are a sterling reminder of how school choice works. Success levels are higher because of their autonomy - charter schools are free from the traditional bureaucracy and regulations that divert schools' energy and resources toward compliance rather than excellence."
|
|