An evaluation of Minnesota's charter schools just completed by researchers at the University of Minnesota says yes, and reports that Minnesota's charter schools are doing well despite formidable challenges. The findings were particularly exciting considering that charter schools operate on about 20 percent less revenue than other public schools and serve a disproportionately high number of students with special needs. The report should cause us to stop and ponder the intent of charter schools and consider how we can help them grow and flourish.
Charter schools are a relatively new idea in Minnesota and in the United States.
In 1991, I signed the first charter school legislation in the country, which was intended to allow groups of motivated parents and teachers to create their own innovative, results-driven schools that would be free from some of the regulations to which other schools must adhere. Charter schools can offer families a range of new options that they may not get otherwise. They represent a bold step on a long road to educational reform. Most of our 19 schools are only in their third year of operation, and are showing early signs of success. According to the report, parent involvement is high and more than half of all charter school parents report that their child is more motivated, confident, responsible and is studying more with improved academic performance compared to experiences with previous schools.