Charter schools are publicly funded but independently run elementary or secondary schools that have freedom from some regulations faced by traditional public schools. The first charter school law was passed in Minnesota in 1991, and now 41 states and Washington D.C. have laws allowing charter schools. Charter schools operate autonomously but are accountable for student achievement. Debate around charter schools focuses on funding, accountability, and concerns about racial segregation. Research shows that charter school students, particularly white males with parents with a high school degree, tend to do better on state performance standards in math and reading compared to students at traditional public schools.

1. Charter Schools Katie, Marisa, and Alina

2. Introduction to Charter Schools Elementary or secondary schools Receive public money Freed of rule, regulation, and statutes that apply to other public schools Freedom in exchange for some type of accountability for results. Attendance is by choice

3. History of Charter Schools Idea originated by Ray Budde and Albert Shanker in 1968 Operate like a private business Minnesota was first state with charter school law in 1991. As of now, 41 states and Washington D.C. have charter school laws.

4. Structure of Charter Schools Operate as autonomous public schools Accountable for student achievement 12.5% of 5,000 Charter School have closed Rules of schools depend on state legislation and differ from state to state

5. Funding Dictated by the state Many use per-pupil state aid from school district May receive funding from private donors or foundations 61 cents to every dollar for their district peer traditional public school $6,585 per pupil- Charter Schools $10,771 per pupil at traditional public schools Receive less public funding that traditional Portion of charter schools’ operating costs can come from sources outside public funding. With private funds, federal, and ‘other income’ charter school can have more money per pupil, depending on school

6. Debate Funding Accountability Racial Segregation

7. Results: Charter school students do better than public school children in state performance standards Mainly among white non-Hispanic males Have a parent with a high school degree Better in both math and reading

8. Positives of Charter Schools Examples http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ogVQV12wCe8 Opportunity to model new ways of education for public schools Students are succeeding More opportunity More choice