Flexibility as freedom from regulation and bureaucracy is another meaning of the term in the charter school context. In general, charter schools are not exempt from state student assessment and basic auditing requirements. The Year 1 data suggest that state coordinator and charter school authorizer respondents may have different perceptions of the degree of control and autonomy realized by charter schools. This difference of opinion begs for triangulation with data from charter schools themselves. It also will be important to add the charter school perspective on state and charter school authorizer policies that affect flexibility.
Accountability is a key topic to track as the charter school movement matures and evolves.
Like flexibility, accountability is a core feature of the contract between charter schools and their charter school authorizers. Data from states and charter school authorizers indicate that charter schools are accountable to multiple agencies. Accountability relationships often begin with the application review process, where charter school authorizers report that they require clarity on issues such as curriculum, finances, and assessment and accountability. Annual reporting, whether to states or charter school authorizers, focuses on student achievement, financial record keeping, and compliance with regulations. Note that the Year 1 data reported in this document do not include any analyses of student performance in charter schools.