But the promise of charter schools is being eroded by weak enabling legislation. Charter schools are independent public institutions that are publicly financed and accountable, but not run by a government bureaucracy. Nineteen states have passed legislation enabling them to be established. Several hundred schools are now operating and more are planned.
Some charter schools are regular public schools that seceded and became self-governing.
Others are new schools started by parents, teachers, private firms, universities, girls' clubs and an array of other institutions. They budget their own resources, select teachers, schedule time and create their own curriculum. They charge no tuition, have no admission requirements and are attended only by students whose families choose them. Charters are issued by local or state agencies, usually for five years - to be renewed only if the school can demonstrate positive results as promised. They fail to exempt charter schools from enough of the laws, regulations and contractual provisions that burden conventional schools - thus denying them autonomy of action in return for accountability.