These schools are deregulated, autonomous and independent of the rules and regulations that govern traditional public schools, and most often the impetus for involvement is the opportunity to work in more flexible, innovative school environments. In return for that autonomy, the schools must show results, theoretically, or face revocation of their charter. Charter schools have strong political support. States have passed laws that permit the creation of charter schools in record numbers since 1991, and according to the U. S. Department of Education, nearly 1,800 charter schools were in operation in the 1999-00 school year. Some charters are new schools, others are converted from existing public schools, and many have a specific curricular or instructional approach.
Some charter schools offer a very traditional educational focus.
The result has been a wide variety of choice in public schooling in some areas. NEA's Concerns . Charter enrollment patterns are emerging as a real issue of concern. Research shows that many charter schools have relatively homogeneous student bodies , and a study in Michigan found that charters there were creaming the students that are the least costly to educate. Other studies point out segregation of students based on race, socio-economic scale and academic achievement.