Several factors contribute to the problem. Because of this limitation, the department's role has been restricted to categorizing and filing documents, answering questions, and applying for federal charter school grants. Charter schools are having considerable trouble with state and federal special-education requirements. Charter schools typically are so small that the cost of providing specialized instruction for one or two learning-disabled children is prohibitive. Equally important is that some charter school administrators and parents do not subscribe to the notion that public schools should be required to make special provisions beyond that required to accommodate physically disabled students.
More time is needed to fully assess the effect of charter schools on public education.
While the current study is a good first step, assessing the quality of education in charter schools will take a series of studies over many years. Whatever the specific research design, it should entail a longitudinal study of a group of students attending charter schools and another group attending a similar traditional public school. Intermediate school districts should be encouraged to assist charter schools, especially newly established schools. Since charter schools are small, they lack the resources to efficiently undertake many of the necessary functions of a public institution. The ISDs can do a better job of providing a way for charters to accomplish such tasks as handling payroll arrangements and meeting state filing requirements.