There is, however, creaming on the basis of cost. Charter schools generally are taking the students who are cheapest to educate and leaving behind those who are more expensive. But because younger students are cheaper to educate than teen-agers who need laboratories, athletic equipment, extensive libraries and specialized teachers, most of those who have opened charter schools have chosen to open elementary schools. The study also found that three-quarters of the charter schools offer no special education services, and even the few that do enroll special needs students provide them with fewer and less costly services than do nearby public schools. According to the study, the laws governing school choice vary enormously from state to state.
Different rules create different incentives and different outcomes.
For example, in Michigan, where charters must make their admissions choices by lottery, most charters are in urban districts and enroll more poor and minority students than neighboring districts. But in California, where charters are allowed to select their students and require parents to contribute resources, most charters are in suburbs or small towns and enroll fewer poor and minority students than neighboring school districts. Implement and institutionalize the Illinois Learning Standards as the foundation for educational excellence in Illinois. Implement and improve the state s accountability systems, including the Quality Assurance, Financial Assurance and Academic Early Warning and Watch systems. Restructure the professional development system for Illinois educators, including preparation, licensure and continuing professional development.