But we have seen none that seemed outside the pale of defensible, and in many respects familiar, educational thought and practice. We have stumbled on no witchcraft schools or Klan schools, for example. What distinguishes charter schools is not the originality of their educational vision but their uncommon commitment to it. Both parents and teachers sometimes find that they have made a mistake and quickly move on. Some student and staff turnover in the first few weeks is not unusual.
Excellent teachers flock to charter schools.
Some accept lower pay. Most want no involvement with the teachers unions. Our impression is that most are certified even when not required by law, but that those who are not are nevertheless well qualified by virtue of other relevant experience and training. Most charter schools have small classes. Days and years are long, though, at least for staff.