In a number of cases, charter schools are carrying out the spirit of federal programs without following all the fine print. No one can say with confidence how large this movement may grow, but the demand for charter schools currently exceeds the supply. It is too early to say anything definite about their educational effectiveness, but there is a growing body of positive evidence. Charter schools are often havens for people who need and want alternatives to schools that have served them poorly. Genuine educational innovation is occurring in charter schools.
Charter schools establish a much-needed prototype of educational accountability.
Selected Policy Recommendations Provide a nonlocal sponsorship option or a strong appeals process for charter seekers. Allow any individual, group, or organization to submit a charter school proposal. Make charter schools legal entities in their own right. Keep charter restrictions and regulations to minimum health, safety, and nondiscrimination provisions. Automatically exempt charter schools from other state and local laws and regulations.