But that has not happened. Some 19 percent of the students have limited English proficiency and one in every five charter students has a disability. Teachers who have chosen to work in charter schools are pleased, according to a report from the Goldwater Institute in Arizona. Six out of ten charter teachers negotiate their contracts directly with the school director and 95 percent of the teachers enjoy benefits beyond their salaries. Three out of four teachers are involved in selecting texts and have computers in their classrooms.
Parents are pleased, as well.
Another Goldwater Institute survey found that 92 percent of Arizona's charter school parents were satisfied or very satisfied with their school. More than 94 percent of parents say they are likely or very likely to send their children to the same charter school next year. Experts say the keys to charter schools' success and popularity are greater accountability and parental involvement. Despite great opposition from unions and education bureaucrats, three states have renewed the charters of schools which are working and at least half a dozen states are considering legislation which would allow more to open.