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Clearinghouse on Educational Policy and Management
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| College of Education · University of Oregon |
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Trends and Issues: School Choice
General Reviews and Position Statements
Journal ArticlesEJ641126 EF502739Charter Schools. Author: Rittner-Heir, Robbin Availability: One City Centre, Suite 200, 120 W. Seventh St., Bloomington, IN 47404-3925 ($30 annually for libraries; $6 individual copies). Tel: 812-855-8550; Fax: 847-562-8634. Journal Citation: School Planning & Management, v40 n12 p13-14 Dec 2001 Publication Date: 2001 ISSN: 1086-4628 Language: English Document Type: Journal articles (080) Journal Announcement: CIJJUL2002 Abstract: Examines the popularity of America's charter schools, the seven major legal and policy areas that figure into the development of each state's charter school legislation, and their funding. The article discusses how charter schools compare to public schools on student test scores and their effect on public school district operations and financing. (GR) Descriptors: *Academic Achievement; *Charter Schools; Educational Finance; Educational Legislation; Elementary Secondary Education; Public Schools; *School Effectiveness; Scores; EJ639031 EA539115 The Work Ahead. Author: Hess, Frederick M. Availability: http:www-writing.berkeley.edu/TESL-EJ Journal Citation: Education Next, v1 n4 p8-13 Win 2001 Publication Date: 2001 ISSN: 1532-5148 Language: English Document Type: Journal articles (080); Reports--Research (143) Journal Announcement: CIJJUN2002 Abstract: Argues that public schools must change their underlying culture and rules to benefit from competition from charter schools and voucher programs. Discusses differences between educational marketplace and traditional economic models, finding schools less responsive to competitive pressures. Analyzes factors constraining competition and offers suggestions to make competition a more effective reform tool. (KSB) Descriptors: Administrator Education; Administrator Effectiveness; *Charter Schools; *Competition; Educational Finance; *Educational Policy; Educational Vouchers; Elementary Secondary Education; *Private Schools; *Public Schools; *School Choice Identifiers: Profit Making Schools EJ636315 SP529601 Redefining "Public" Education: Charter Schools, Common Schools, and the Rhetoric of Reform. Author: Lubienski, Chris Availability: Center for Critical Education, Inc., P.O. Box 382616, Cambridge, MA 02238-2616. Web site: http://www.wpunj.edu/radteach. Journal Citation: Teachers College Record, v103 n4 p634-66 Aug 2001 Publication Date: 2001 ISSN: 0161-4681 Language: English Document Type: Journal articles (080); Reports--Descriptive (141) Journal Announcement: CIJAPR2002 Abstract: Considers the public nature of charter schools, comparing Michigan charter school reformers' rhetoric with that of 19th century common school reformers, noting the conflicting definitions of what constitutes public schooling and suggesting that charter schools frame education principally as a consumer good, thus privatizing the purpose of public education (contrary to common school reformers' concerns for democracy and public good). (SM) Descriptors: *Charter Schools; Democracy; Educational Change; Elementary Secondary Education; *Public Education Identifiers: *Common Schools; Reform Efforts EJ634826 EA538862 Excellence Creates Itself. Author: Keegan, Lisa Graham Availability: Kluwer Academic Publisher, 101 Philip Dr., Assinippi Park, Norwell, MA 02061. Tel: 781-871-6600. Journal Citation: School Business Affairs, v67 n10 p22-27 Oct 2001 Publication Date: 2001 ISSN: 0036-651X Language: English Document Type: Journal articles (080); Reports--Descriptive (141) Journal Announcement: CIJAPR2002 Abstract: Discusses challenges and benefits of Arizona's public charter-school system enacted by the state legislature in 1994. Includes descriptions of some charter-school experiences. Arizona was the first state to pass legislation allowing public charter schools to operate independently of local school board control. (PKP) Descriptors: *Charter Schools; *Educational Change; Elementary Secondary Education Identifiers: Arizona EJ634793 EA538829 When Charters Fail. Author: Colgan, Craig Availability: Kluwer Academic Publisher, 101 Philip Dr., Assinippi Park, Norwell, MA 02061. Tel: 781-871-6600. Journal Citation: American School Board Journal, v188 n10 p38-42 Oct 2001 Publication Date: 2001 ISSN: 0003-0953 Language: English Document Type: Journal articles (080); Reports--Evaluative (142) Journal Announcement: CIJAPR2002 Abstract: Less than 5 percent of charter schools have been shut down nationwide. Charter school advocates say closings prove that accountability measures already present in law and in practice are working. Critics counter that closings often reveal that more oversight is needed. Discusses fiscal mismanagement and the need for training. Summarizes achievements in some charter schools. (MLF) Descriptors: *Accountability; *Charter Schools; Elementary Secondary Education; *Financial Problems; Nontraditional Education; Public Schools; *School Accounting; *School Closing; EJ633898 SP529540 Charter Schooling and Social Justice. Author: Abowitz, Kathleen Knight Availability: Journal Citation: Educational Theory, v51 n2 p151-70 Spr 2001 Publication Date: 2001 ISSN: 0013-2004 Language: English Document Type: Journal articles (080); Opinion papers (120) Journal Announcement: CIJMAR2002 Abstract: Uses Nancy Fraser's theory to provide a rationale for charter schooling, introducing the social justice and democratic possibilities inherent in some charter school proposals. The article argues that Fraser's notion of multiple public spheres, combined with her strategies of economic redistribution and cultural recognition, provide a compelling rationale and conceptual model for charter schooling. (SM) Descriptors: *Charter Schools; Democracy; Diversity (Student); Elementary Secondary Education; *Equal Education Identifiers: Habermas (Jurgen); *Social Justice EJ626335 EA538407 The Case against Charter Schools. Author: Manno, Bruno V. Availability: Journal Citation: School Administrator, v58 n5 p28-34 May 2001 Publication Date: 2001 ISSN: 0036-6439 Language: English Document Type: Journal articles (080); Reports--Evaluative (142) Journal Announcement: CIJNOV2001 Abstract: A proponent rebuts claims that charter schools rob funds and students from regular public schools, gamble with children's lives and taxpayers' money, are not truly accountable, resemble other public schools, undermine democratic values, underserve disabled children, marginalize minorities, invite profiteering, front for vouchers; and represent only marginal reform. (MLH) Descriptors: *Accountability; *Charter Schools; *Democratic Values; *Educational Benefits; *Educational Equity (Finance); Elementary Secondary Education; *Misconceptions EJ625388 RC514578 Taking It Slow: An Alaska Educator Urges Caution in Starting Charters. Author: Sherman, Lee; Castanza, Gordon E. Availability: Journal Citation: Northwest Education, v6 n3 p37-39 Spr 2001 Publication Date: 2001 Language: English Document Type: Journal articles (080); Opinion papers (120) Journal Announcement: CIJOCT2001 Abstract: A retired teacher and administrator advocates charter schools, but feels a solid research base is needed before rushing into them. Many charter school founders don't know what it takes to run the business aspect of schools, and Alaska's legislation has no oversight or accountability provisions. Charter schools need seasoned leadership, well-defined curricula, quantifiable objectives, and accountability. (TD) Descriptors: *Accountability; *Administrative Problems; *Charter Schools; Educational Change; Educational Legislation; Elementary Secondary Education; Interviews; *Leadership Responsibility; *School Administration; State Legislation; Theory Practice Relationship Identifiers: *Alaska Descriptive Terms: Theme issue title: "The Wild Blue Yonder: Charter Schools Fly into the Unknown." EJ625387 RC514577 Stuck on the Starting Blocks: Despite Backing from Vocal Parents, Politicians of All Stripes, and a Billionaire with Deep Pockets, Washington State Can't Seem To Get Charter Schools Up and Running. Author: Boss, Suzie Availability: Journal Citation: Northwest Education, v6 n3 p32-36 Spr 2001 Publication Date: 2001 Language: English Document Type: Journal articles (080); Reports--Descriptive (141) Journal Announcement: CIJOCT2001 Abstract: In Washington state, two initiatives and several bills allowing charter schools have failed since 1995, although support has been growing. Supporters feel that charter schools will keep parents connected to public education and prevent talented teachers from leaving the field. Opponents claim that charter schools divert resources away from public education and are not accountable to elected officials. (TD) Descriptors: Accountability; *Charter Schools; *Educational Change; Educational Legislation; Elementary Secondary Education; *Political Campaigns; Political Issues; *Politics of Education; Public Education Identifiers: *Grassroots Movements; *Washington Descriptive Terms: Theme issue title: "The Wild Blue Yonder: Charter Schools Fly into the Unknown." EJ625383 RC514573 Homegrown: Customized Schools Matching Local Needs and Expressing Founders' Philosophies Are Sprouting Up in Communities across Alaska, Idaho, and Oregon. Author: Sherman, Lee Availability: Journal Citation: Northwest Education, v6 n3 p2-11,42 Spr 2001 Publication Date: 2001 Language: English Document Type: Journal articles (080); Reports--Descriptive (141) Journal Announcement: CIJOCT2001 Abstract: Charter schools offer choices to parents and teachers dissatisfied with mainstream public education. Averaging fewer than 200 students, they offer nurturing educational communities, inventive pedagogies, and educators committed to learning. Devising an accountability system that accommodates such wide variety is their greatest challenge. Brief descriptions of 35 charter schools in Alaska, Oregon, and Idaho are given. (TD) Descriptors: Academic Achievement; *Accountability; *Charter Schools; Educational Change; *Educational Innovation; *Educational Practices; Elementary Secondary Education; Institutional Autonomy; *Nontraditional Education; Parent Participation; *School Effectiveness; Small Schools Identifiers: Alaska; Idaho; Oregon Descriptive Terms: Theme issue title: "The Wild Blue Yonder: Charter Schools Fly into the Unknown." EJ614020 UD522509 A Critical Analysis of Charter Schools. Author: Browning, Melissa Availability: Journal Citation: Equity & Excellence in Education, v33 n2 p16-23 Sep 2000 Publication Date: 2000 ISSN: 1066-5684 Language: English Document Type: Journal articles (080); Opinion papers (120); Reports--Descriptive (141) Journal Announcement: CIJMAR2001 Abstract: Examines intended and unintended results of the charter school movement, addressing both sides of the debate and explaining that increased autonomy can heighten inequalities, and choice can sometimes exclude certain members of society. Discusses: autonomy for accountability; autonomy for efficiency; competition; innovation; and choice. Notes that despite criticism, not all charter schools are flawed. (SM) Descriptors: *Accountability; *Charter Schools; Competition; Educational Innovation; Elementary Secondary Education; *Excellence in Education; *Institutional Autonomy; School Choice EJ609583 EA537351 Will Charter Schools Lead to a Systemic Reform of Public Education? Author: Wronkovich, Michael Availability: Journal Citation: American Secondary Education, v28 n4 p3-8 Sum 2000 Publication Date: 2000 ISSN: 0003-1003 Language: English Document Type: Journal articles (080); Reports--Evaluative (142) Journal Announcement: CIJJAN2001 Abstract: Reviews the young charter-school movement's status and effects. Advocates claim charter schools' mere existence in an area stimulates reform. So far, chartering has shown tremendous diversity and engaged many highly motivated people. Systemic change will depend on American educators' responsiveness to society's Information-Age demands. (Contains 29 references.) (MLH) Descriptors: *Accountability; *Change Strategies; *Charter Schools; Educational History; Educational Improvement; Elementary Secondary Education; Motivation; Public Education; *Resistance to Change; *School Choice Identifiers: *Information Age; Minnesota; *Systemic Change EJ609509 CS759450 Proposed: A Charter School for Future Teachers. Author: Soares, Louise M.; Williams, Gloria; Soares, Anthony T.; Connor, Paul Availability: Journal Citation: Clearing House, v73 n6 p341-44 Jul-Aug 2000 Publication Date: 2000 ISSN: 0009-8655 Language: English Document Type: Guides--Non-classroom (055); Journal articles (080); Opinion papers (120) Journal Announcement: CIJJAN2001 Abstract: Proposes that the development of the next generation of teachers begin in special charter schools (grades 9-12) devoted to careers in teaching. Argues that the charter school is an ideal place to institute unique educational reform and prepare better-qualified teachers with a sense of social responsibility. Outlines objectives, basic design components, assessment, instructional team, and financial considerations. (SR) Descriptors: *Charter Schools; Educational Innovation; *High School Students; *Preservice Teacher Education; Program Descriptions; Secondary Education; Teacher Shortage EJ607955 EA537274 Charter Schools: Another Reform Failure or a Worthwhile Investment? Author: Good, Thomas L.; Braden, Jennifer S. Availability: Journal Citation: Phi Delta Kappan, v81 n10 p745-50 Jun 2000 Publication Date: 2000 ISSN: 0031-7217 Language: English Document Type: Journal articles (080); Reports--Evaluative (142) Journal Announcement: CIJDEC2000 Abstract: Explores problematic charter-school characteristics that must be changed to improve American education: lack of innovative practices and improved academic outcomes; disproportionate administrative costs; segregation of students by ethnicity, income level, and special needs; and deplorable physical learning environments. More competition, planning, and research are needed. (MLH) Descriptors: *Academic Achievement; *Accountability; Administrative Organization; *Charter Schools; Costs; *Educational Change; Educational Environment; *Educational Innovation; Educational Planning; Educational Policy; Elementary Secondary Education; *Program Effectiveness; Research Needs; School Segregation EJ607954 EA537273 Beyond the Schoolhouse Door: How Charter Schools Are Transforming U.S. Public Education. Author: Manno, Bruno V.; Finn, Chester E., Jr.; Vanourek, Greg Availability: Journal Citation: Phi Delta Kappan, v81 n10 p736-44 Jun 2000 Publication Date: 2000 ISSN: 0031-7217 Language: English Document Type: Journal articles (080); Reports--Evaluative (142) Journal Announcement: CIJDEC2000 Abstract: Discusses evolutionary stages in the education establishment's reaction to charter schools: stopping them cold, keeping them few and weak, competing with them, and accepting and using them. Charters are not revolutionary. They embody three time-tested features: community rootedness; resemblance to magnet and alternative schools; and institutional adaptation. (Contains 39 references.) (MLH) Descriptors: *Charter Schools; Community; *Competition; Educational Benefits; *Educational Change; Elementary Secondary Education; Nontraditional Education; *Politics of Education; *Resistance to Change Identifiers: *Barriers to Implementation EJ607360 SP528366 The Future of Charter Schools: How Big, How Bright? Author: Manno, Bruno V.; Vanourek, Gregg; Finn, Chester E., Jr. Availability: Journal Citation: Teaching and Change, v7 n3 p222-34 Spr 2000 Publication Date: 2000 ISSN: 1068-378X Language: English Document Type: Journal articles (080); Reports--Descriptive (141) Journal Announcement: CIJNOV2000 Abstract: Discusses how the charter school movement is having systemic effects on U.S. education, examining eight important issues that, when resolved, may make charter schools valued community institutions and spur K-12 education to reinvent itself. Surmounting the eight challenges would keep charter schools in the center stage of the education reform movement. (SM) Descriptors: *Charter Schools; Educational Change; Educational Quality; Elementary Secondary Education; Nontraditional Education Identifiers: Professionalism EJ607359 SP528365 Improving the "System": Can Charter Schools Help? Author: Adelman, Nancy Availability: Journal Citation: Teaching and Change, v7 n3 p203-21 Spr 2000 Publication Date: 2000 ISSN: 1068-378X Language: English Document Type: Journal articles (080); Reports--Descriptive (141) Journal Announcement: CIJNOV2000 Abstract: Introduces a theme issue on charter schools, describing Project Connect, which from 1997-99 worked with 10 public charter schools to facilitate efforts to reach out to other public school educators, and discussing schools' experiences as they tried to bridge an abyss that grew when relationships between charter schools and mainstream education were more strained. (SM) Descriptors: *Charter Schools; Educational Change; *Educational Improvement; Elementary Secondary Education; Nontraditional Education; Public Schools Identifiers: Information Exchange; Project CONNECT EJ605842 SP528314 "Sometimes Bureaucracy Has Its Charms": The Working Conditions of Teachers in Deregulated Schools. Author: Johnson, Susan Moore; Landman, Jonathan Availability: Journal Citation: Teachers College Record, v102 n1 p85-124 Feb 2000 Publication Date: February 2000 ISSN: 0161-4681 Language: English Document Type: Journal articles (080); Reports--Research (143) Journal Announcement: CIJOCT2000 Abstract: Examined teachers' experiences in charter and public schools to investigate how deregulation policies affected teaching conditions. Results indicated that the most autonomous schools (charter schools) were not necessarily favored by teachers. Greater autonomy for teachers was accomplished by expanded roles and responsibilities in deregulated schools. In-district charters best combined features that provided school autonomy while meeting teachers' basic concerns. (SM) Descriptors: *Charter Schools; Educational Change; *Educational Policy; Elementary Secondary Education; Participative Decision Making; *Professional Autonomy; Public Schools; Teacher Attitudes; Teacher Responsibility; Teacher Role; *Teaching Conditions Identifiers: *Deregulation EJ604828 EA537057 Charter Schools and Private Profits. Author: Plank, David; Arsen, David; Sykes, Gary Availability: Journal Citation: School Administrator, v57 n5 p12-14,18 May 2000 Publication Date: 2000 ISSN: 0036-6439 Language: English Document Type: Journal articles (080); Reports--Evaluative (142) Journal Announcement: CIJOCT2000 Abstract: Although charter schools are both public and accountable, they are increasingly being operated by private, for-profit educational management organizations. EMOs profit by reducing labor costs (cutting employment or compensation), using economies of scale (operating larger facilities); and providing fewer services (educating "mainstream" elementary students). (MLH) Descriptors: *Charter Schools; Cost Effectiveness; *Educational Quality; Elementary Secondary Education; *Entrepreneurship; *Privatization; *Problems; Public Schools Identifiers: *Contract Schools; *Educational Management Organizations; Profit Making Schools EJ604245 SP528262 The Charter Challenge. Author: Hanson-Harding, Brian Availability: Journal Citation: Instructor, v109 n6 p44-46 Mar 2000 Publication Date: March 2000 ISSN: 1049-5851 Language: English Document Type: Journal articles (080); Reports--Descriptive (141) Journal Announcement: CIJSEP2000 Abstract: Describes the advantages of charter schools, which are started by individuals or groups in the community and can set their own educational agendas and goals. More states are passing or expanding charter school laws every year. Benefits include autonomy, site-based management, increased parental involvement, and increased teacher control. Accountability can be a potential problem that accompanies autonomy. (SM) Descriptors: Accountability; *Charter Schools; Educational Improvement; Educational Quality; Elementary Secondary Education; *Institutional Autonomy; Nontraditional Education; *Professional Autonomy; Teacher Role Target Audience: Practitioners; Teachers EJ601842 IR540970 Progress, Possibilities, and Problems of the Charter Public School Movement. Author: Nathan, Joe Availability: Journal Citation: TECHNOS, v8 n3 p24-27 Fall 1999 Publication Date: 1999 ISSN: 1060-5649 Language: English Document Type: Journal articles (080); Reports--Descriptive (141) Journal Announcement: CIJAUG2000 Abstract: This article is adapted from the revised edition of the book, "Charter Schools: Creating Hope and Opportunity for American Education." Highlights include the use of technology; improving student achievement; charter school growth; inner city activists' support; government support; district improvements; and new applications of technology. (LRW) Descriptors: Academic Achievement; *Charter Schools; *Educational Change; Educational Improvement; Government Role; Urban Education Identifiers: Technology Utilization EJ601218 EA536857 School Choice: A Report Card. Author: Peterson, Paul E. Availability: University of Virginia School of Law, 580 Massie Road, Charlottesville, VA, 22903-1789; Tel.: 804-924-0597; Website: http://scs.student.virginia.edu/~vjspl/. Journal Citation: Virginia Journal of Social Policy & the Law, v6 n1 p47-80 Fall 1998 Publication Date: 1998 ISSN: 1068-7955 Language: English Document Type: Journal articles (080); Reports--Evaluative (142) Journal Announcement: CIJAUG2000 Abstract: Locates school choice's theoretical underpinnings in market theory and communitarianism. Explains contributions of magnet schools, charter schools, and voucher systems to the choice movement. Summarizes preliminary findings for voucher plans, highlighting minority participation, family and teacher satisfaction, student mobility, and college attendance factors. Refutes critics' complaints. (Contains 87 references.) (MLH) Descriptors: *Charter Schools; College Attendance; Community; Educational Change; *Educational Vouchers; Elementary Secondary Education; Magnet Schools; Marketing; Program Effectiveness; Satisfaction; School Choice EJ600069 RC513740 The Charter School Movement in Support of Rural Educational Reform: A History of Our Struggle for Local Autonomy. Author: Jaramillo, Ginny Availability: Journal Citation: Rural Educator, v21 n2 p28-32 Win 1999-2000 Publication Date: 2000 ISSN: 0273-446X Language: English Document Type: Journal articles (080); Reports--Descriptive (141) Journal Announcement: CIJJUL2000 Abstract: Describes how two rural Colorado communities, threatened by the loss of their elementary schools, established a charter school based in two existing facilities. Discusses the benefits of local autonomy, the value of networking with other rural charter schools, the role of the community in school innovations, and emphases on staff development and school program evaluation. (SV) Descriptors: *Charter Schools; Community Control; Educational Assessment; Elementary Education; Elementary Schools; Parent Participation; Rural Education; *Rural Schools; *School Based Management; *School Community Relationship; Small Schools; Staff Development Identifiers: Colorado; District School Relationship; Place Based Education EJ600028 RC513694 Charting the Course of Freedom and Learning. Author: Nathan, Joe Availability: Journal Citation: Paths of Learning: Options for Families & Communities, v1 n2 p52-57 Aut 1999 Publication Date: 1999 Language: English Document Type: Information Analysis (070); Journal articles (080) Journal Announcement: CIJJUL2000 Abstract: The charter public school movement has experienced significant growth, attracted veteran community activists and committed educators, acquired the bipartisan support of Congress, contributed to increases in student achievement, and influenced a variety of educational improvement efforts. Internal and external challenges facing charter schools are related to evaluation, governance, funding, and facilities. (Contains 16 references.) (LP) Descriptors: *Charter Schools; Community Support; Educational Change; *Educational Improvement; *Educational Practices; Elementary Secondary Education; Incentives; Institutional Autonomy; Learning Strategies; Public Education; *Public Schools; School Community Relationship EJ599117 EA536887 The Public Philosophy and Charter Schools: Alberta's Charter Schools. Author: O'Reilly, Robert R. Availability: Journal Citation: International Journal of Educational Reform, v8 n4 p342-51 Oct 1999 Publication Date: 1999 ISSN: 1056-7879 Language: English Document Type: Journal articles (080); Reports--Descriptive (141) Journal Announcement: CIJJUL2000 Abstract: Alberta's charter-school legislation responds to certain needs of both liberal and republican ideologies. Alberta's experiment indicates that parents are not very dissatisfied with their local schools. Few minority children are attracted, and charter performance has not been stellar. Schools are chosen for their value systems. (Contains 31 references.) (MLH) Descriptors: *Charter Schools; Civil Liberties; *Democratic Values; *Educational Philosophy; Elementary Secondary Education; Foreign Countries; Government Role; *Ideology; Liberalism; *Political Influences; School Choice Identifiers: *Alberta EJ596423 UD521835 Charter Schools; Franchise for Creativity or License for Fractionation? Author: Wayson, William W. Availability: Journal Citation: Education and Urban Society, v31 n4 p446-64 Aug 1999 Publication Date: 1999 ISSN: 0013-1245 Language: English Document Type: Journal articles (080); Reports--Descriptive (141) Journal Announcement: CIJMAY2000 Abstract: Charter schools can foster greed or graft more easily than they can become models for what schools should be, and it is not likely that they can change the educational system. However, charter schools can promote creativity and they have the potential for making small impacts that can change the world one child at a time. (SLD) Descriptors: *Charter Schools; Creativity; *Educational Change; Elementary Secondary Education; Nontraditional Education; *School Restructuring; *Urban Schools Identifiers: *Reform Efforts Descriptive Terms: Theme issue titled "Charter Schools and Urban Education." EJ596422 UD521834 Charter Schools: Serving Disadvantaged Youth. Author: Manno, Bruno V.; Vanourek, Gregg; Finn, Chester E., Jr. Availability: Journal Citation: Education and Urban Society, v31 n4 p429-45 Aug 1999 Publication Date: 1999 ISSN: 0013-1245 Language: English Document Type: Journal articles (080); Reports--Descriptive (141) Journal Announcement: CIJMAY2000 Abstract: Explores the role of charter schools and explains why the charter movement is so promising for transforming U.S. education, particularly in urban areas. Addresses three common objections to charter schools and asserts that charter schools can serve the needs of at-risk and disabled students. (SLD) Descriptors: *Charter Schools; *Disabilities; *Disadvantaged Youth; Educational Change; Elementary Secondary Education; High Risk Students; School Restructuring; *Urban Schools; Urban Youth Descriptive Terms: Theme issue titled "Charter Schools and Urban Education." EJ595298 HE540104 Colleges Experiment with Charter Schools. Author: Basinger, Julianne Availability: Journal Citation: Chronicle of Higher Education, v46 n10 pA51-A53 Oct 29 1999 Publication Date: 1999 ISSN: 0009-5982 Language: English Document Type: Journal articles (080); Reports--Descriptive (141) Journal Announcement: CIJMAY2000 Abstract: Describes a charter school for middle grade students developed and administered by the University of California, San Diego. Notes the increasing interest nationwide of various institutions of higher education in the development of charter schools. How UCSD has met objections such as the possibility of the charter school siphoning off university funds are addressed. (DB) Descriptors: *Charter Schools; *College School Cooperation; Higher Education; Middle Schools; Program Development Identifiers: *University of California San Diego EJ589467 EA536138 Charters: The Next Flawed Reform? Author: Sarason, Seymour B. Availability: Journal Citation: School Administrator, v56 n7 p32-34 Aug 1999 Publication Date: 1999 ISSN: 0036-6439 Language: English Document Type: Journal articles (080); Reports--Evaluative (142) Journal Announcement: CIJFEB2000 Abstract: The charter-school movement radically changes the existing system, deeming it unrescuable. The superficial conceptual rationale for creating these complex new settings will engender implementation processes that practically guarantee charters' failure. Matters are not helped by enthusiastic proponents who egregiously underestimate the consequences of limited resources. (MLH) Descriptors: *Charter Schools; *Educational Innovation; Elementary Secondary Education; *Financial Problems; *Program Implementation Identifiers: *Fads EJ589466 EA536137 Five Prevailing Charter Types. Author: Schneider, Joe Availability: Journal Citation: School Administrator, v56 n7 p29-31 Aug 1999 Publication Date: 1999 ISSN: 0036-6439 Language: English Document Type: Journal articles (080); Reports--Evaluative (142) Journal Announcement: CIJFEB2000 Abstract: Charter schools can be grouped into two camps: newly created schools or converted public schools (deserving further study). New charters arise to help at-risk kids, serve poor ethnic minorities, make profits, or address disgruntled parents' concerns. For-profits are leery of contracting to improve student performance. (MLH) Descriptors: *Charter Schools; Elementary Secondary Education; *Entrepreneurship; *Ethnic Groups; *High Risk Students; *Privatization; School Choice Identifiers: *Profit Making Schools EJ589465 EA536136 Why I'm Wary of Charter Schools. Author: Bernstein, Marc F. Availability: Journal Citation: School Administrator, v56 n7 p24-28 Aug 1999 Publication Date: 1999 ISSN: 0036-6439 Language: English Document Type: Journal articles (080); Reports--Evaluative (142) Journal Announcement: CIJFEB2000 Abstract: Charter-school proponents overlook three overarching concerns. Funding must come from existing school budgets; charter-school populations are more homogeneous than in most public schools; and the constitutional separation between school and religion will be compromised. Studies in California, Arizona, and other states reveal accountability and selective admission problems. (MLH) Descriptors: Academic Achievement; Accountability; Admission Criteria; *Charter Schools; Cost Effectiveness; *Educational Improvement; Elementary Secondary Education; *Financial Problems; *Public Education; *Racial Segregation Identifiers: Arizona; *California; Michigan; Minnesota; New York (New York); North Carolina EJ589464 EA536135 Charters as Tools of Reform. Author: Pardini, Priscilla Availability: Journal Citation: School Administrator, v56 n7 p19-23 Aug 1999 Publication Date: 1999 ISSN: 0036-6439 Language: English Document Type: Journal articles (080); Reports--Descriptive (141) Journal Announcement: CIJFEB2000 Abstract: Although many superintendents remain leery of the charter reform movement, some (in Flagstaff, Arizona; Springfield, Massachusetts; and San Carlos, California), see beyond threats to a districtwide innovation model. Taking charters' lead, Flagstaff opened a magnet school and a full-day kindergarten. Another superintendent chartered his entire district. (MLH) Descriptors: *Change Strategies; *Charter Schools; *Educational Innovation; Elementary Secondary Education; Financial Problems; Magnet Schools; Models; *School Districts; *Superintendents Identifiers: Arizona (Flagstaff); California; Massachusetts (Springfield) EJ587018 UD521532 Learning from California. Author: Nelson, F. Howard Availability: Journal Citation: American Educator, v23 n1 p22-23 Spr 1999 Publication Date: 1999 ISSN: 0148-432X Language: English Document Type: Journal articles (080); Reports--Descriptive (141) Journal Announcement: CIJDEC1999 Abstract: Suggests some things that can be done to make charter schools more accountable and to promote innovation and diversity. Remedies are offered for the areas of (1) accountability; (2) funding; (3) choice and student characteristics; and (4) innovation and empowerment. (SLD) Descriptors: *Accountability; Administrators; Case Studies; *Charter Schools; *Educational Innovation; Elementary Secondary Education; Empowerment; Financial Support; *School Choice; School Effectiveness; Student Characteristics Identifiers: *California EJ583010 UD521359 Reinventing Urban Education in Texas: Charter Schools, Smaller Schools, and the New Institutionalism. Author: Fusarelli, Lance D. Availability: Journal Citation: Education and Urban Society, v31 n2 p214-24 Feb 1999 Publication Date: 1999 ISSN: 0013-1245 Language: English Document Type: Journal articles (080); Reports--Descriptive (141) Journal Announcement: CIJOCT1999 Abstract: Describes the early experience of Texas with charter schools, which have been promoted as a way to restructure urban education through schools that are smaller, less bureaucratized, and more attuned to student and community needs. Discusses barriers to charter-school success and prospects for urban-school reform if charter schools are not successful. Contains 37 references. (SLD) Descriptors: *Charter Schools; *Educational Change; Elementary Secondary Education; *Institutional Characteristics; School Choice; *School Restructuring; *School Size; *Urban Schools; Urban Youth Identifiers: Reform Efforts; *Texas Descriptive Terms: Theme issue titled "Out of Adversity, Diversity in Urban Education." EJ576213 RC512910 What We Know about School Choice. Author: Froese-Germain, Bernie Availability: Journal Citation: Education Canada, v38 n3 p22-25 Fall 1998 Publication Date: 1998 ISSN: 0013-1253 Language: English Document Type: Information Analysis (070); Journal articles (080) Journal Announcement: CIJJUL1999 Abstract: School choice is a market-driven reform in which schools compete for students. Discusses characteristics of choice and lessons drawn from the international experience: increased segregation, unimproved learning, low participation, parental criteria, inequity, lack of options, administrative emphasis on management, and right-wing support. Describes the Alberta (Canada) experience with charter schools. Concludes that research must guide school-choice policies. (SAS) Descriptors: Academic Achievement; *Charter Schools; Diversity (Institutional); Economic Factors; Educational Policy; Educational Research; Educational Trends; Elementary Secondary Education; Equal Education; Foreign Countries; Free Enterprise System; Politics of Education; *School Choice Identifiers: Alberta Descriptive Terms: Theme issue topic: Education Reform: Are We on the Right Track? EJ575206 EA535153 Edison Scores and Scores Again in Boston. Author: Chubb, John E. Availability: Journal Citation: Phi Delta Kappan, v80 n3 p205-12 Nov 1998 Publication Date: 1998 ISSN: 0031-7217 Language: English Document Type: Journal articles (080); Opinion papers (120); Reports--Descriptive (141) Journal Announcement: CIJJUL1999 Abstract: Peggy Farber's stories (in the March 1998 "Kappan") about a few individuals at Boston Renaissance Charter School have a place in evaluating the program. However, the real story cannot be drawn from a few isolated, highly selective anecdotes. A balanced evaluation would have framed the discussion around the schools' progress with special-needs students and its phenomenal success. (MLH) Descriptors: *Academic Achievement; *Charter Schools; Elementary Secondary Education; Misconceptions; Program Development; *Program Evaluation; *Special Education; Success Identifiers: *Edison Project Descriptive Terms: For related article see EA 535 154. EJ574644 UD521006 Support Your Local Charter School. Author: Finn, Chester E., Jr.; Manno, Bruno V. Availability: Journal Citation: Policy Review, n91 p18-25 Sep-Oct 1998 Publication Date: 1998 ISSN: 0146-5945 Language: English Document Type: Journal articles (080); Reports--Descriptive (141) Journal Announcement: CIJJUN1999 Abstract: Suggests a few ways in which civic entrepreneurs can foster charter schools. Civic entrepreneurs, who need not be extremely wealthy, can help meet four critical needs of charter schools: (1) start-up capital, (2) technical assistance, (3) safeguarding freedom, and (4) fostering accountability. (SLD) Descriptors: Accountability; *Charter Schools; Citizen Participation; *Community Development; *Educational Finance; Elementary Secondary Education; *Entrepreneurship; *Financial Support; *School Choice; School Restructuring; Technical Assistance; Urban Schools; Urban Youth EJ573477 EA535048 The Thinking Behind Arizona's Charter Movement. Author: Garn, Gregg Availability: Journal Citation: Educational Leadership, v55 n2 p48-50 Oct 1998 Publication Date: 1998 ISSN: 0013-1784 Language: English Document Type: Journal articles (080); Reports--Descriptive (141) Journal Announcement: CIJJUN1999 Abstract: Arizona's "exemplary" charter-school legislation illustrates how three underlying ideologies (antibureaucracy, market-based education, and teacher professionalism) play out in practical terms. Although Arizona charter schools are achieving stability via independent financial status and real-time funding, many have monitoring difficulties, budgeting discrepancies, and a tendency to treat teachers like low-wage workers. (MLH) Descriptors: *Accountability; Budgeting; Bureaucracy; *Charter Schools; *Competition; *Educational Policy; Elementary Secondary Education; Program Implementation; School Choice; *State Legislation; Teaching (Occupation) Identifiers: Arizona; *Professionalization of Teaching EJ572730 SP526995 Charter Schools: Accomplishments and Dilemmas. Author: Manno, Bruno V.; Finn, Chester E., Jr.; Vanourek, Gregg; Bierlein, Louann A. Availability: Journal Citation: Teachers College Record, v99 n3 p537-58 Spr 1998 Publication Date: 1998 ISSN: 0161-4681 Language: English Document Type: Journal articles (080); Reports--Descriptive (141) Journal Announcement: CIJMAY1999 Abstract: Presents results from the Hudson Institute's Charter Schools in Action, a two-year research project that evaluated the creation, operation, and impact of charter schools. The paper discusses the charter notion and examines accomplishments achieved and dilemmas confronted by various charter schools. The study concludes that charter schools are a promising market-based strategy for changing today's education system. (SM) Descriptors: Change Strategies; *Charter Schools; Educational Change; Educational Improvement; Elementary Secondary Education; Institutional Autonomy; Nontraditional Education; Public Education EJ570117 EA534850 Are Charter Schools Sufficiently Public To Receive Public Funds?: An Analysis of "Council of Organizations about Parochiaid v. Governor." Author: Green, Preston C., III; McCall, Darryl Availability: Journal Citation: International Journal of Educational Reform, v7 n3 p232-42 Jul 1998 Publication Date: 1998 ISSN: 1056-7879 Language: English Document Type: Journal articles (080); Legal/Legislative/Regulatory materials (090); Reports--Evaluative (142) Journal Announcement: CIJAPR1999 Abstract: If a charter-school act permits too much freedom from state regulations, it may create private schools ineligible for state funding. In "Council of Organizations about Parochiaid v. Governor," the Michigan courts ruled on levels of state control necessary for charter schools to be considered public. At least 13 states would fail the Michigan trial court's test. (40 references) (MLH) Descriptors: *Charter Schools; *Court Litigation; Elementary Secondary Education; *Eligibility; *State Aid; *State Legislation; *State School District Relationship Identifiers: *Michigan EJ569515 SP526922 Is Education Reform Possible? The Case of Charter Schools. Author: Bateman, Mark Availability: Journal Citation: Teacher Education and Practice, v13 n2 p28-45 Fall-Win 1997 Publication Date: 1997 Language: English Document Type: Journal articles (080); Reports--General (140) Journal Announcement: CIJMAR1999 Abstract: Examines the concept of charter schools, their appeal to reformers, and the resistance to their implementation. The paper describes seven key components essential to creating charter schools, presenting examples that illustrate their impact on potential charter schools. Forces impeding the long-term success of the charter-school movement are noted. (SM) Descriptors: Boards of Education; *Charter Schools; *Educational Change; Elementary Secondary Education; Laws; Nontraditional Education; *Public Schools; State Government Identifiers: Barriers to Implementation EJ569513 SP526920 The Role of Charter Schools in the Reinvention of Public Education. Author: Patrick, Diane P. Availability: Journal Citation: Teacher Education and Practice, v13 n2 p1-14 Fall-Win 1997 Publication Date: 1997 Language: English Document Type: Journal articles (080); Reports--General (140) Journal Announcement: CIJMAR1999 Abstract: Reviews the history of charter laws since the first charter law was passed in 1991, examining the implementation of charter schools in California, Colorado, Minnesota, and Texas. The paper delineates issues and concerns and suggests educational practices within charter schools which are pertinent to the successful reinvention of public schools in the United States. (SM) Descriptors: Accountability; *Charter Schools; *Educational Change; Educational Legislation; Elementary Secondary Education; Laws; Nontraditional Education; *Public Education Identifiers: California; Colorado; Minnesota; Texas EJ566691 RC512601 For Small Schools, an Identity Crisis. Author: Hendrie, Caroline Availability: Education Week, P.O. Box 2083, Marion, OH 43305, www.edweek.org. Back issues ($3.50 each) from Back Issues, Education Week, 6935 Arlington Rd., Suite 100, Bethesda, MD 20814-5233. Journal Citation: Education Week, v17 n34 p1,18-19 May 6 1998 Publication Date: 1998 ISSN: 0277-4232 Language: English Document Type: Journal articles (080); Reports--Descriptive (141) Journal Announcement: CIJJAN1999 Abstract: Urban small-school proponents who desire more autonomy find charter schools appealing, since they receive public money but operate independently of the district structure. Others feel that charter schools are a stalking horse for private school vouchers and privatization, part of an attempt to undermine public education, or an abandonment of efforts to reform public education. (TD) Descriptors: Bureaucracy; *Charter Schools; Educational Change; Educational Legislation; Elementary Secondary Education; Institutional Autonomy; *Politics of Education; Public Education; *School Attitudes; School Districts; *Small Schools; *Urban Schools Identifiers: *District School Relationship; Reform Strategies EJ566228 EA534730 Tracking the Charter School Movement. Author: Schneider, Ann M. Availability: Journal Citation: School Business Affairs, v64 n6 p17-18 Jun 1998 Publication Date: 1998 ISSN: 0036-651X Language: English Document Type: Journal articles (080); Reports--Evaluative (142) Journal Announcement: CIJJAN1999 Abstract: Over 166,000 students attend charter schools. President Clinton has called for the creation of 3,000 charter schools by 2000. This article examines effects of "weak" versus "strong" charter-school laws, discusses charters' pros and cons, explains funding challenges, and reviews preliminary findings on charter schools' effectiveness. Charter schools will be challenged to sustain founders' intense commitment. (11 references) (MLH) Descriptors: *Charter Schools; Educational Benefits; Elementary Secondary Education; Financial Problems; Program Effectiveness; *State Legislation Identifiers: Arizona; California; Michigan EJ566226 EA534728 Public School Options: Magnet and Charter Schools. Author: Jones, Thomas H., Jr. Availability: Journal Citation: School Business Affairs, v64 n6 p3-6,8-12 Jun 1998 Publication Date: 1998 ISSN: 0036-651X Language: English Document Type: Journal articles (080); Reports--Evaluative (142) Journal Announcement: CIJJAN1999 Abstract: Magnet schools, created, sponsored, and regulated by states and public school districts, embody a top-down organizational philosophy. Charter schools, started by parents and teachers with distinct minority educational views and sponsored by various agencies, represent bottom-up, innovative philosophies. Connecticut's 1996 law allows only local districts and the state to sponsor charter schools. (14 references) (MLH) Descriptors: *Charter Schools; Desegregation Plans; Educational Change; Elementary Secondary Education; *Equal Education; *Magnet Schools; Public Schools; *School Choice Identifiers: *Connecticut DocumentsED465217 EA031698Charter Districts: Much Fuss, Little Gain. Author: Lockwood, Anne Turnbaugh Institutional Author: American Association of School Administrators, Arlington, VA.(BBB16801) Availability: Information Age Publishing, Inc., 80 Mason Street, Greenwich, CT 06830 (paperback: ISBN-1-931576-04-1, $29.95; hardcover: ISBN-1-931576-05-X, $63.25). Tel: 203-661-7602; Fax: 203-661-7952; Web site: http://www.infoagepub.com. Publication Date: November 2001 Language: English Document Type: Reports--Descriptive (141) Journal Announcement: RIEDEC2002 Abstract: At first glance, charter districts seem to offer an inventive way to conduct the business of schooling. While charter schools extend a new, but relatively small, building-focused alternative to educational consumers, charter districts have the potential to free public education at a much larger level and with a more comprehensive scope. This paper seeks to answer questions about whether a superintendent should seek charter status for an entire district and whether the opportunity should be seized, if available under state law, to convert a district to charter status. The rationale for charter districts is first explained. Next, the charter-district legislation in Michigan, Pennsylvania, California, Florida, Georgia, New Mexico, and Texas is analyzed. Third, the experiences of administrators in different charter districts are discussed and summarized. Finally, the evidence culled from their experiences is examined, suggesting that charter districts have the potential to become a major force in American education. At present, charter districts are still strongly influenced by community traditions and conservative parent-held values. These factors combine in complex ways with the district's desire for change and the need to conduct it in politically safe ways. The paper concludes with a list of charter districts nationwide. (RT) Descriptors: Change Strategies; *Charter Schools; Elementary Secondary Education; Nontraditional Education; *School Districts; State Legislation Identifiers: Reform Efforts Geographic Source: U.S.; Virginia ED464416 EA031654 The War against America's Public Schools: Privatizing Schools, Commercializing Education. Author: Bracey, Gerald W. Availability: Allyn & Bacon, A Pearson Education Company, 75 Arlington Street, Suite 300, Boston, MA 02116 ($25). Tel: 800-666-9433 (Toll Free); Web site: http://www.ablongman.com. Publication Date: 2002 ISBN: BN- 0-321-08073-4; Language: English Document Type: Book (010); Reports--Evaluative (142) Journal Announcement: RIENOV2002 Abstract: Education reform has a long and ignoble history of searching for magic bullets. Charter schools, vouchers, educational management organizations, tuition tax credits, and high-standards movements are all part of the education landscape today. Some reformers are mere opportunists who look at the $700 billion that the United States spends on education and want some of those dollars. Others truly believe that a market-driven system will help. Still others would like to teach religion without having to worry about the First Amendment. The purpose of this book is to summarize and describe these experiments and examine why none can be justified by using the argument that the entire public-school system is in crisis. It provides evidence that the system is actually improving. It argues that slanted, spun, and distorted statistics are used by organizations that fund research, since funding is easier to find if there is a perceived crisis. Perceptions about SAT and NAEP scores, the employees needed for industry, and the comparisons of American students to students of other countries are analyzed. Financial irregularities, unsafe facilities, and unimpressive or debatable results in charter schools are depicted. The inherent inequities of voucher systems are described at length. (Contains 307 references.) (RKJ) Descriptors: *Charter Schools; Criticism; Educational Philosophy; *Educational Vouchers; Elementary Secondary Education; *Evaluation Criteria; Private Schools; *Privatization; *Public Schools; School Support; Statistical Analysis Identifiers: *Reform Efforts Geographic Source: U.S.; Massachusetts ED462478 UD034755 Charters, Vouchers, and Public Education. Author: Peterson, Paul E., Ed.; Campbell, David E., Ed. Institutional Author: Brookings Institution, Washington, DC.(BBB01336) Availability: Brookings Institution Press, 1775 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20036 (paperback: ISBN-0-8157-7027-8, $18.95; hardcover: ISBN-0-8157-7026X, $42.95). Tel: 800-275-1447 (Toll Free); Web site: http://www.brookings.edu. Publication Date: 2001 ISBN: BN- 0-8157-7027-8; Language: English Document Type: Book (010); Collected works--General (020) Journal Announcement: RIEAUG2002 Abstract: This book presents 15 papers on charters, vouchers, and public education: (1) "Introduction: A New Direction in Public Education?" (Paul E. Peterson and David E. Campbell); (2) "Charter Schools: Taking Stock" (Chester E. Finn, Jr, Bruno V. Manno, and Gregg Vanourek); (3) "School Choice in Michigan" (Michael Mintrom and David N. Plank); (4) "Lessons from New Zealand" (Edward B. Fiske and Helen F. Ladd); (5) "The Hidden Research Consensus for School Choice" (Jay P. Greene); (6) "Going Private" (Terry M. Moe); (7) "School Choice and American Constitutionalism" (Joseph P. Viteritti); (8) "Effects of School Vouchers on Student Test Scores" (William G. Howell, Patrick J. Wolf, Paul E. Peterson, and David E. Campbell); (9) "Hints of the Pick-Axe: Competition and Public Schooling in Milwaukee" (Frederick M. Hess); (10) "Can Charter Schools Change Traditional Public Schools?" (Paul Teske, Mark Schneider, Jack Buckley, and Sara Clark); (11) "Responding to Competition: School Leaders and School Culture" (Frederick M. Hess, Robert Maranto, and Scott Milliman); (12) "Making Democratic Education Work" (David E. Campbell); (13) "Private Schooling and Political Tolerance" (Patrick J. Wolf, Jay P. Greene, Brett Kleitz, and Kristina Thalhammer); (14) "Reflections on the School Choice Debate" (Paul Hill); and (15) "What Is To Be Done?" (Diane Ravitch). (SM) Descriptors: *Charter Schools; Competition; Democratic Values; *Educational Vouchers; Elementary Secondary Education; Foreign Countries; Leaders; Political Issues; Private Education; *Public Education; School Choice; School Culture; Scores; Student Evaluation Identifiers: Michigan; New Zealand Geographic Source: U.S.; District of Columbia ED461917 EA031509 Rhetoric Versus Reality: What We Know and What We Need To Know about Vouchers and Charter Schools. Author: Gill, Brian P.; Timpane, P. Michael; Ross, Karen E.; Brewer, Dominic J. Institutional Author: Rand Corp., Santa Monica, CA.(CIQ74890) Availability: RAND, 1700 Main Street, P.O. Box 2138, Santa Monica, CA 90407-2138 (Stock No. MR-1118-EDU, $15). Tel: 877-584-8642 (Toll Free); Tel: 310-451-7002; Fax: 310-451-6915; e-mail: order@rand.org; For full text: http://www.rand.org/publications/MR/MR1118/. Sponsoring Agency: George Gund Foundation, Cleveland, OH. (BBB06509)@; Spencer Foundation, Chicago, IL. (BBB06744)@; Annie E. Casey Foundation, Baltimore, MD. (BBB32721)@; Carnegie Corp. of New York, NY. (QPX12280) Publication Date: 2001 ISBN: BN- 0-8330-2765-4; Language: English Document Type: Book (010); Reports--Evaluative (142) Journal Announcement: RIEAUG2002 Abstract: Two proposals for education reform are school vouchers and charter schools, both of which have raised controversy with regard to their effectiveness and efficiency. At the present time, there is insufficient evidence to provide a crisp, clear bottom-line judgment of the wisdom of voucher and charter programs. This book identifies and articulates the range of empirical questions that ought to be answered to assess the wisdom of policies promoting vouchers or charter schools. It examines the existing empirical evidence on these questions, providing a broad assessment of what is currently known about the effects of vouchers and charters in terms of academic achievement. Important unresolved empirical questions are discussed, and prospects for answering them in the future are considered. Many questions cannot be answered at all because of lack of research, notably matters involving total demand, supply response of educational providers, and the final impact on public schools. Design details of voucher and charter policies are also explored. Recommendations include enacting a program of vigorous research, that is not confined to choice programs. Better information on the performance of conventional public schools and alternative reform models is also needed. (Contains 319 references.) (RT) Descriptors: Academic Achievement; *Charter Schools; Educational Policy; *Educational Vouchers; Elementary Secondary Education; *Nontraditional Education Identifiers: *Reform Efforts Geographic Source: U.S.; California ED461172 EA031454 School Choice in America: The Great Debate. Hot Topics Series. Author: Metcalf, Kim K., Ed.; Muller, Patricia A., Ed.; Legan, Natalie A., Ed. Institutional Author: Phi Delta Kappa, Bloomington, IN. Center on Evaluation, Development, and Research.(BBB24992) Availability: Phi Delta Kappa International, P.O. Box 789, Bloomington, IN 47402-0789 (Product code HTSCAGD: nonmembers $30, members $25). Tel: 800-766-1156 (Toll Free); Fax: 812-339-0018. Publication Date: June 2001 Language: English Document Type: Collected works--General (020) Journal Announcement: RIEJUL2002 Abstract: This document strives to answer questions about school choice, such as What does school choice mean?, What does school choice look like?, and What are the likely consequences of giving parents greater voice in their children's education? Reports are grouped into three thematic chapters. In chapter 1, "Public-Public Choice," reports include: "Family Choice Arrangements in Public Schools: A Review of the Literature" (Mary Anne Raywid); "Parent Involvement and Teacher Decision Making in Urban High Schools of Choice" (Patricia A. Bauch and Ellen B. Goldring); "Parent Involvement and School Choice: Exit and Voice in Public Schools" (Rodney T. Ogawa and Jo Sargent Dutton); and "SES and Demographic Predictors of Magnet School Enrollment" (Doug Archbald). Chapter 2, "Semi-Private Choice," contains the following reports: "Charter Schools: A Primer on the Issues" (Sandra Vergari); "Tracking the Charter School Movement" (Ann M. Schneider); "The State of Charter Schools 2000: Fourth-Year Report" (Beryl Nelson and others); "The Thinking behind Arizona's Charter Movement" (Gregg Garn); "Charter School Reform in California: Does It Meet Expectations?" (Amy Stuart Wells and others); "First Lessons: Charter Schools as Learning Communities" (Priscilla Wohlstetter and Noelle C. Griffin); "Charter Schools: Serving Disadvantaged Youth" (Bruno V. Manno, Gregg Vanourek, and Chester E. Finn, Jr.); "Charter Schools and the Law: Emerging Issues" (Charles J. Russo and Joseph D. Massucci); "For-Profit Charter Schools: What the Public Needs To Know" (Christy Lancaster Dykgraaf and Shirley Kane Lewis); and "For-Profit Charter Schools and Students with Disabilities: The Sordid Side of the Business of Schooling" (Nancy J. Zollers and Arun K. Ramanathan). Chapter 3, "Public-Private Choice," includes "Some Things You May Want To Know about Tuition Tax Credits" (Russell I. Thackrey); "Tuition Tax Credits and Education Vouchers: Private Interests and the Public Good" (Denis P. Doyle); "The Consequences of School Choice: Who Leaves and Who Stays in the Inner City" (Valerie J. Martinez and others); "Educational Vouchers: Effectiveness, Choice, and Costs" (Henry M. Levin); "The Milwaukee Voucher Experiment" (John F. Witte); and "Free Market Policies and Public Education: What Is the Cost of Choice?" (Kim K. Metcalf and Polly A. Tait). Each chapter begins with an overview of its school-choice issue. This document ends by discussing the fundamental issue of how much choice parents should be allowed to have in their children's education. (RT) Descriptors: *Charter Schools; Disabilities; Disadvantaged Youth; *Educational Vouchers; Elementary Secondary Education; Enrollment Trends; Free Enterprise System; Magnet Schools; *Parent Participation; Public Education; *School Choice; Tax Credits; Tuition; Urban Education; Descriptive Terms: Series editor, Monica Overman. Geographic Source: U.S.; Indiana ED458715 EA031433 Charter Schools. Institutional Author: Wisconsin Center for Education Research, Madison.(BBB20214) Availability: Center Document Service, Wisconsin Center for Education Research, School of Education, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1025 W. Johnson St., Room 242, Madison, WI 53706. Tel: 888-862-7763 (Toll Free); Tel: 608-265-9698; Fax: 608-263-6448. For full text: http://www.wcer.wisc.edu/publications/pubonline.htm. Journal Citation: The Newsletter of the Comprehensive Center-Region VI, v5 n1 Spr 2000. Sponsoring Agency: Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (ED), Washington, DC. (EDD00014) Publication Date: 2000 Language: English Document Type: Collected works--Serials (022) Journal Announcement: RIEAPR2002 Descriptors: *Academic Achievement; *Accountability; Administrative Organization; *Charter Schools; Economic Factors; Educational Change; Educational Quality; Elementary Secondary Education; *Financial Support; Public Schools; *School Culture; *Teacher Improvement; Descriptive Terms: Theme issue. Published biannually. Geographic Source: U.S.; Wisconsin ED457588 EA031341 Charter Schools and the Long Road to Education Reform. Author: Dawson, Thomas Institutional Author: Pacific Research Inst. for Public Policy, San Francisco, CA.(BBB32168) Availability: Pacific Research Institute, 755 Sansome Street, Suite 450, San Francisco, CA 94111 ($9.95). Tel: 415-989-0833; Fax: 415-989-2411; e-mail: pripp@pacificresearch.org; Web site: http://www.pacificresearch.org. Publication Date: October 1999 Language: English Pages: 64 Document Type: Reports--Descriptive (141) Journal Announcement: RIEMAR2002 Abstract: This monograph on charter schools and reform contains four chapters. The first chapter ("The Unfinished Goal and the Role of Interest Groups") discusses the history of the charter movement, its role, benefits, shortcomings, and the opposition to the movement from teacher unions. Charter schools have attracted support across the political spectrum in theory; however, this support varies on the operational level. Charter schools cannot offer truly innovative programs because they remain bound to public authorities; they have to be more independent and less regulated than they are in many states. Chapter 2 ("California: The Uphill Battle") discusses California's dismal educational record during the 1990s and the struggle to enact charter legislation in the state. The most serious problem in California's new law was funding. All categorical funding had to be negotiated; however, individual charter schools received no money directly from the state. Instead, they had to rely on districts to distribute state funding. The chapter goes on to discuss state bureaucracy and union intransigence. Chapter 3 ("Arizona: The Free Market Model...With Strings Attached") compares Arizona's and California's education demographics, which are quite similar in many respects. However, there are important differences between the two states, principally surrounding right-to-work issues and the emergence of Arizona's charter-school laws that sought to avoid the difficulties encountered by California. The final chapter ("Charter Schools and the Failure of Real Competition") discusses teacher unions and their fight against deregulation; the chapter also describes the voucher system in several states, the disorganization of the charter movement, and the fact that the movement has yet to trigger significant responses from local school boards and other officials. (Contains 189 references.) (DFR) Descriptors: Academic Standards; *Charter Schools; Competition; *Educational Change; *Educational Vouchers; Elementary Secondary Education; *Nontraditional Education; Public Schools; *School Choice; Standards; Tax Allocation; Tax Rates; *Teacher Associations; Unions Geographic Source: U.S.; California ED455973 PS029777 Perspectives on Charter Schools: A Review for Parents. ERIC Digest. Author: Donahoo, Saran Institutional Author: ERIC Clearinghouse on Elementary and Early Childhood Education, Champaign, IL.(BBB34257) Availability: ERIC Clearinghouse on Elementary and Early Childhood Education, Children's Research Center, University of Illinois, 51 Gerty Dr., Champaign, IL 61820-7469. Tel: 800-583-4135 (Toll Free); Tel: 217-333-1386; Fax: 217-333-3767; Web site: http://ericeece.org; e-mail: ericeece@uiuc.edu. For full text: http://ericeece.org/pubs/digests.html. Sponsoring Agency: Office of Educational Research and Improvement (ED), Washington, DC. (EDD00036) Publication Date: August 2001 Report Number: EDO-PS-01-5 Language: English Pages: 4 Document Type: ERIC product (071); ERIC digests in full text (073) Journal Announcement: RIEJAN2002 Abstract: Recently, charter schools have gained popularity with parents, students, and others as alternatives to public schools, but what are charter schools and what effects are they having? This digest defines charter schools and clarifies some of the administrative and legal details surrounding such schools. The digest also lays out some of the potential benefits of and problems with charter schools, distinguishing commentary on charter schools from research on them, which is sparse. Proponents of charter schools say that charter schools increase parents' school choice and compel public schools to make improvements they otherwise might not make. Opponents argue that charter schools divert public monies that should be used to improve urban and rural public schools in low-income communities. Opponents also say that many charter schools are financially unstable. The Digest also highlights some research findings concerning issues such as academic achievement, parent satisfaction, and provisions for special education. (Contains 18 references.) (OR) Descriptors: *Charter Schools; *Educational Attitudes; Educational Legislation; Educational Research; Elementary Secondary Education; Nontraditional Education; Parent School Relationship; *School Effectiveness; School Organization Identifiers: ERIC Digests Contract Number: ED-99-CO-0020 Geographic Source: U.S.; Illinois ED455043 RC023018 Northwest Education, Volume 6, 2000-2001. Author: Sherman, Lee, Ed. Institutional Author: Northwest Regional Educational Lab., Portland, OR.(RIK65325) Availability: Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory, 101 S.W. Main Street, Suite 500, Portland, OR 97204. Tel: 503-275-9515. For full text: http://www.nwrel.org/nwedu. Journal Citation: Northwest Education, v6 n1-4 Fall-Sum 2000-2001 Sponsoring Agency: Department of Education, Washington, DC. (EDD00001) Publication Date: 2001 Language: English Pages: 198 Document Type: Collected works--Serials (022) Journal Announcement: RIEDEC2001 Abstract: This document contains the four issues of Northwest Education published from fall 2000 through summer 2001. Issue themes are: (1) "New Moves: PE Reinvents Itself" (Fall 2000); (2) "Think Small: Making Education More Personal" (Winter 2000); (3) "The Wild Blue Yonder: Charter Schools Fly into the Unknown" (Spring 2001); and (4) "Designs for Learning: School Architecture" (Summer 2001). Each issue contains a lead article summarizing current research and issues related to the theme, followed by articles describing theme-related practices and outstanding schools and educators in the Northwest. Issues also include information on related resources, book reviews, commentary by practitioners, and letters from readers. (SV) Descriptors: *Charter Schools; *Educational Change; *Educational Facilities Design; *Educational Practices; Elementary Secondary Education; *Physical Education; School Buildings; School Size; *Small Schools Identifiers: *United States (Northwest) Descriptive Terms: Published quarterly. Photographs and a few colored pages may not reproduce adequately. For volume 5, see ED 441 654. For descriptions of individual articles, see RC 514 306-311, RC 514 342-348, RC 514 573-578, and RC 514 632-640. Contract Number: RJ96006501; ED-01-CO-0013 Geographic Source: U.S.; Oregon ED454599 EA031085 What Are Charter Schools? Institutional Author: ACCESS ERIC, Rockville, MD.(BBB27976) Availability: For full text: http://www.accesseric.org/resources/parent/parent.html. ACCESS ERIC, 2277 Research Blvd., 7A, Rockville, MD 20850. Tel: 800-538-3742 (Toll Free). Governmental Status: Federal Sponsoring Agency: Office of Educational Research and Improvement (ED), Washington, DC. (EDD00036) Publication Date: 2000 Report Number: NLE-2000-4303 Language: English Pages: 6 Document Type: Guides--Non-classroom (055) Journal Announcement: RIEDEC2001 Abstract: Charter schools are public schools operated under a charter (contract) between a public agency and groups of parents, teachers, school administrators, or others who want to create more alternatives and choice within the public school system. The contracted agencies are expected to produce agreed-upon levels of student achievement within a certain period (usually three to five years). If they don't, their sponsors may end their charters. Charter schools give parents, students, and educators public school alternatives based on the idea that competition will bring new educational ideas. This brochure provides an overview of the charter school movement's history and development up to the present time, and provides a short description of their varying structures, operations, student populations. Some of the arguments for and against charter schools are listed. A basic step-by-step procedure is presented allowing one to design and start a charter school in one's community. The brochure also lists organizational and Web site sources, and references for additional information. (Contains 14 references.) (RT) Descriptors: *Charter Schools; Elementary Secondary Education; Nontraditional Education Descriptive Terms: This brochure is based on the 1999 ERIC Digest "Charter Schools: An Approach for Rural Education," written by Timothy Collins, and the 1998 ERIC Digest "Charter Schools," written by Margaret Hadderman. Contract Number: RK95188001 Geographic Source: U.S.; Maryland ED454308 UD034228 Privatizing Education: Can the Marketplace Deliver Choice, Efficiency, Equity, and Social Cohesion? Author: Levin, Henry M., Ed. Availability: Westview Press, Perseus Books Group, 5500 Central Avenue, Boulder, CO 80301-2877 ($35). Tel: 800-386-5656 (Toll Free); Tel: 303-444-3541; Fax: 303-449-3356; Web site: http://www.westviewpress.com. Sponsoring Agency: Ford Foundation, New York, NY. (QPX27000)@; Pew Charitable Trusts, Philadelphia, PA. (BBB28123) Publication Date: 2001 ISBN: 0-8133-6640-2 Language: English Pages: 373 Document Type: Book (010); Collected works--General (020) Journal Announcement: RIENOV2001 Abstract: This collection of essays examines efforts by groups and lobbyists to move education from the public to the private sector. There are 14 papers in 7 sections: The first section, "Introduction," includes: (1) "Studying Privatization in Education" (Henry M. Levin) and (2) "Educational Vouchers and the Media" (Lee D. Mitgang and Christopher V. Connell). The second section, "Implementation Issues," includes: (3) "The Legal Status of Privatization and Vouchers in Education" (Frank R. Kemerer) and (4) "Information and Choice in Educational Privatization" (Mark Schneider). The third section, "Preschools and Higher Education," includes: (5) "Preschools and Privatization" (Ellen Magenheim) and (6) "Privatization in Higher Education" (Arthur Levine). The fourth section, "International Dimensions," includes: (7) "Privatization through Vouchers in Developing Countries: The Cases of Chile and Columbia" (Martin Carnoy and Patrick J. McEwan) and (8) "Privatization in Industrialized Countries" (Geoffrey Walford). The fifth section, "Charter Schools," includes: (9) "Assessing the Growth and Potential of Charter Schools" (Pearl Rock Kane and Christopher J. Lauricella) and (10) "Privatization and Charter School Reform: Economic, Political, and Social Dimensions" (Amy Stuart Wells and Janelle Scott). The sixth section, "Perspectives of Stakeholders," includes: (11) "Vouchers, Privatization, and the Poor" (Gary Natriello) and (12) "Teachers and Privatization" (Caroline Hodges Persell). The seventh section, "Evaluation Designs," includes: (13) "Criteria for Evaluating School Voucher Studies" (David E. Myers) and (14) "Designing Education Voucher Experiments: Recommendations for Researchers, Funders, and Users" (Fred Doolittle and Wendy Connors). (Each paper contains references.) (SM) Descriptors: *Charter Schools; Developed Nations; Developing Nations; Educational Change; *Educational Vouchers; Elementary Secondary Education; Foreign Countries; Government School Relationship; Higher Education; Low Income Groups; Mass Media; Parent Participation; Parents; Preschool Education; *Private Schools; *Privatization; Program Evaluation; School Choice; Tax Credits; Teachers Identifiers: Chile; Colombia; England; Netherlands; Wales Descriptive Terms: This work was also supported by the Achelis and Bodman Foundations. Geographic Source: U.S.; Colorado ED453335 UD034210 The Great School Debate: Choice, Vouchers, and Charters. Author: Good, Thomas L.; Braden, Jennifer S. Availability: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Inc., Publishers, 10 Industrial Avenue, Mahwah, NJ 07430-2262 (cloth: ISBN-0-8058-3691-8, $59.95; paper: ISBN-0-8058-3551-2, $29.95). Web site: http://www.erlbaum.com. Publication Date: 2000 ISBN: 0-8058-3551-2 Language: English Pages: 273 Document Type: Book (010); Reports--Evaluative (142) Journal Announcement: RIEOCT2001 Abstract: This book examines reform in American education over the past 50 years, analyzing why contemporary voucher plans and charter schools have yet to fulfill the expectations of their advocates. The book discusses: a historical perspective, insight into student achievement, voucher plans and charter schools, and policy recommendations. The eight chapters are: (1) "American Education: How Good Is It and Who Should Control It?" (2) "Crisis in Public Education: Past and Present"; (3) "Student Performance in American Schools: An Empirical Report Card"; (4) "The Emergence of School Vouchers and Choice in American Schools"; (5) "In the 1990s, Government Created Charter Schools"; (6) "Charter Schools: Effective Instrument or Wasteful Experiment"; (7) "Charter Schools: Some of the Best and Worst in American Education?" and (8) "Dealing with Complexity and Uncertainty: Moving Schooling Forward." An epilogue presents "Presidential Election 2000 and Beyond." (SM) Descriptors: Academic Achievement; *Charter Schools; Educational Change; Educational Legislation; *Educational Quality; *Educational Vouchers; Elementary Secondary Education; Public Schools; *School Choice; Special Education; Urban Education Geographic Source: U.S.; New Jersey ED451273 UD034044 Charter Schools in Action: Renewing Public Education. Author: Finn, Chester E., Jr.; Manno, Bruno V.; Vanourek, Gregg Availability: Princeton University Press, c/o California/Princeton Fulfillment Services, 1445 Lower Ferry Road, Ewing, NJ 08540 ($27.95). Tel: 800-777-4726 (Toll Free); Web site: http://pup.princeton.edu. Publication Date: 2000 ISBN: 0-691-00480-3 Language: English Pages: 290 Document Type: Book (010); Information Analysis (070) Journal Announcement: RIEAUG2001 Abstract: This book provides an overview of the thinking behind the charter schools movement, using information from over 3 years of immersion in the charter schools movement via the Educational Excellence Network. The first 2 years of the Network were devoted to research on charter schools in action. The research examined practical and policy issues surrounding the creation and operation of charter schools. During the study years, researchers: visited about 100 charter schools; interviewed hundreds of stakeholders; surveyed parents, students, and teachers; and examined policy dilemmas, political environments, and implementation programs in several states. The book features 12 chapters. Part 1, "Charter Schools in Action," includes (1) "What's a 'Charter School'?"; (2) "Field Trips"; (3) "Where Did They Come From?"; (4) "How Are They Working?" (5) "Trials by Fire"; and (6) "The Accountability Puzzle." Part 2, "Renewing Public Education," includes (7) "The Case Against Charter Schools: A Ten-Count Indictment"; (8) "Political Backgrounds"; (9) "Beyond the Schoolhouse Door: Changing Systems"; (10) "Beyond the Schoolhouse Door: Building Communities"; (11) "The Great Issues"; and (12) "Will Charter Schools Save Public Education?" An appendix presents survey results and methodology. (SM) Descriptors: Accountability; *Charter Schools; Educational Improvement; Elementary Secondary Education; Nontraditional Education; Politics of Education; *Public Education Geographic Source: U.S.; New Jersey ED448504 EA030763 Charter Schools: The Other Public Schools. Themes in Education. Institutional Author: Northeast and Islands Regional Educational Lab. at Brown Univ., Providence, RI.(BBB35290) Availability: LAB at Brown University, The Education Alliance, 222 Richmond Street, Suite 300, Providence, RI 02903-4226. Tel: 800-521-9550 (Toll Free). Sponsoring Agency: Office of Educational Research and Improvement (ED), Washington, DC. (EDD00036) Publication Date: 1999 Language: English Pages: 59 Document Type: Information Analysis (070) Journal Announcement: RIEJUN2001 Abstract: This booklet provides an overview of charter schools. It is part of a series which attempts to provide stakeholders resources on education-related topics of interest. The text opens with a description of the defining characteristics of charter schools, as well as what is not a charter school. Charter schools are based on the belief that a public school can serve students more effectively when freed from most state and local regulations. The booklet provides a brief history of these schools, starting with the first charter schools founded in Minnesota. It also gives a national overview of the charter-school movement, stating that one-half of all 50 states have passed some type of charter-school legislation, resulting in the opening of over 1,100 charter schools through fall 1998. The document looks at the legislative issues and the general interests that affect charters, along with other considerations, such as multiple sponsors, teacher certification, collective bargaining, funding, and special education. The bulk of the text features a state-by-state profile of the charter-school movement in the northeastern United States and includes contact information. The booklet closes with a list of frequently asked questions. (Contains 36 references.) (RJM) Descriptors: *Charter Schools; *Educational Legislation; Educational Policy; Elementary Secondary Education; *Government School Relationship; Nontraditional Education; School Choice; *State Government Contract Number: RJ96006401 Geographic Source: U.S.; Rhode Island ED448246 UD033905 The Education Freedom Index. Civic Report Number 14. Author: Greene, Jay P. Institutional Author: Manhattan Inst., New York, NY. Center for Civic Innovation.(BBB36210) Availability: EDRS Price MF01/PC01 Plus Postage. Publication Date: September 2000 Language: English Pages: 25 Document Type: Numerical/Quantitative Data (110); Reports--Research (143) Journal Announcement: RIEMAY2001 Abstract: In this report, the extent and nature of education freedom is estimated for each state, using a new Education Freedom Index (EFI). This analysis shows the remarkable differences in education freedom among the states and attempts to make educational freedom a concept that becomes the subject of policy debate. The EFI is composed of measures of five types of educational options: (1) the availability of charter school options; (2) the availability of government-assisted private school options; (3) the ease with which one can home school one's child; (4) the ease with which one can choose a different school district by relocating; and (5) the ease with which one can send a child to a different public school district without changing residence. The EFI is computed as the equally weighted average of measures of these five components. The state with the highest EFI score is Arizona, closely followed by Minnesota. Hawaii, which has only one school district in the entire state, ranks lowest on the EFI. Also ranking low on the EFI is West Virginia. Findings suggest that students in states that have higher scores on the EFI also have higher scores on standardized tests, even after controlling for other demographic and policy factors. An appendix contains information about the calculation of each measure of the EFI. (Contains 13 tables and 1 map.) (SLD) Descriptors: *Charter Schools; Comparative Analysis; *Disadvantaged Youth; Educational Policy; *Elementary Secondary Education; Home Schooling; Private Schools; *School Choice; Standardized Tests; *State Programs; Test Results Descriptive Terms: Foreword by Chester E. Finn, Jr. Geographic Source: U.S.; New York ED447221 UD033203 On Thin Ice: How Advocates and Opponents Could Misread the Public's Views on Vouchers and Charter Schools. Author: Farkas, Steve; Johnson, Jean; Foleno, Anthony Institutional Author: Public Agenda Foundation, New York, NY.(BBB20997) Availability: Public Agenda, 6 East 39th Street, New York, NY 10016 ($10). Tel: 212-686-6610; Fax: 212-889-3461; Web site: www.publicagenda.org. Sponsoring Agency: Charles A. Dana Foundation, New York, NY. (BBB32728) Publication Date: 1999 ISBN: 1-889483-62-1 Language: English Pages: 45 Document Type: Reports--Research (143) Journal Announcement: RIEAPR2001 Abstract: This study explored public opinion with regard to educational vouchers and charter schools. It summarizes findings from an in-depth national survey conducted in 1999 of 1,200 members of the public, including 394 parents of school-age children. The study also examined parents' attitudes in several areas where vouchers and charter schools are now operating. The views of 833 community leaders were also determined. The chapters are: (1) "Introduction"; (2) "Finding One: Some Catching Up To Do"; (3) "Finding Two: No Eureka, No Alarm"; (4) "Finding Three: First Impressions"; (5) "Finding Four: Charter Schools--So Far, So Good"; (6) "Finding Five: Will Parents Shop Around?"; (7) "Finding Six: No Gold Stars for the Status Quo"; (8) "An Afterword by Deborah Wadsworth." An attachment describes the survey methodology, and an appendix lists the experts interviewed. (Contains 5 tables and 19 endnotes.) (SLD) Descriptors: *Charter Schools; *Educational Vouchers; Elementary Secondary Education; National Surveys; *Parent Attitudes; Public Opinion; *School Choice; Urban Schools Descriptive Terms: "With Ann Duffett and Patrick Foley." Geographic Source: U.S.; New York ED444235 EA030551 Hints of the Pick-Axe: The Impact of Competition on Public Schooling in Milwaukee. Author: Hess, Frederick M. Availability: EDRS Price MF01/PC03 Plus Postage. Publication Date: April 2000 Language: English Pages: 66 Document Type: Reports--Evaluative (142); Speeches/meeting papers (150) Journal Announcement: RIEFEB2001 Abstract: This paper describes the United States' first public voucher program, which was launched in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 1990. It discusses the three phases that school competition has undergone in the Milwaukee Public School (MPS) district. These phases are a period of minimal competition from 1990-95, the passage of new charter-school legislation and a dramatically expanded voucher legislation in 1995, and the city's final push into charter schooling in 1997-98, which launched increasingly visible competition. Competition has neither had any systemic effects on teaching and learning in MPS schools and classrooms, nor has the presence of limited competition refocused teachers or principals or changed how they do their jobs. Competition has produced some new efforts to raise standards, increase choices, and open new schools, albeit there is little evidence that these moves have affected classrooms. Furthermore, charters have provoked symbolic reactions from MPS and leaders of the Milwaukee Teachers' Education Association, creating the potential for meaningful change and permitting new schools to form. The paper concludes that there is no evidence to suggest short-term market forces have ended inefficiencies in Milwaukee, although there is reason to believe competition has stoked entrepreneurial energy in MPS. (Contains 109 references.) (RJM) Descriptors: *Charter Schools; *Competition; Educational Policy; Elementary Secondary Education; Nontraditional Education; *Program Evaluation; *Program Implementation; Public Schools; *School Choice Identifiers: Milwaukee Public Schools WI; Wisconsin (Milwaukee) Descriptive Terms: Paper presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Educational Research Association (New Orleans, Louisiana, April 24-28, 2000). For related case studies by the author, see EA 030 548 and 550. Geographic Source: U.S.; Virginia ED444234 EA030550 Letting a Thousand Flowers (and Weeds) Bloom: The Charter Story in Arizona. Author: Hess, Frederick M.; Maranto, Robert Availability: EDRS Price MF01/PC02 Plus Postage. Publication Date: April 2000 Language: English Pages: 33 Document Type: Reports--Evaluative (142); Speeches/meeting papers (150) Journal Announcement: RIEFEB2001 Abstract: This paper examines the genesis of Arizona's charter school law and discusses the key features of that law. Drawing on published sources and interviews conducted from November 1997 to March 2000 with 46 Arizona educators and policymakers, the paper details the conditions that prompted the broad push for charter schools. The text describes the state's political landscape, the concerted effort that was required to pass a charter school law, and the confusion that surrounded the sudden implementation of the law. It describes how charter operators were relatively unconstrained in determining their curricula, the variation among schools, and the type of students who typically attend these schools. Information on oversight and accountability is supplied, along with descriptions of efforts by public schools to compete for students and the negative responses engendered by such competition. The article claims that the Arizona experience vivifies the significance of charter schooling, and it outlines how the political success of charter school advocates reshaped the way policymakers and educators discuss accountability and schooling, encouraging those wishing to put more emphasis on outputs and less on inputs. However, it is not yet clear whether charter schools do a better job of educating students than do district schools. (Contains 27 references.) (RJM) Descriptors: *Charter Schools; Educational Policy; Elementary Secondary Education; *Government School Relationship; Nontraditional Education; *Program Evaluation; *Program Implementation; School Choice; *State Government Identifiers: *Arizona Descriptive Terms: Paper presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Educational Research Association (New Orleans, Louisiana, April 24-28, 2000). For related case studies by the primary author, see EA 030 548 and 551. Geographic Source: U.S.; Virginia ED440193 UD033488 School Choice 2000 Annual Report. The Heritage Foundation Backgrounder. Author: Rees, Nina Shokraii Institutional Author: Heritage Foundation, Washington, DC.(BBB19698) Availability: The Heritage Foundation, 214 Massachusetts Ave., NE, Washington, DC 20002-4999. Tel: 202-546-4400. For full text: http://www.heritage.org/library/backgrounder/bg1354.html. Publication Date: March 30, 2000 Report Number: HF-BG-1354 Language: English Pages: 13 Document Type: Reports--Descriptive (141) Journal Announcement: RIESEP2000 Abstract: During 1999, the school choice movement succeeded in winning the enactment of an education tax credit program in Illinois and two new charter school laws, in addition to the sweeping (although subsequently overturned) school choice plan in Florida. Pennsylvania, New Mexico, and Texas also attempted to enact school choice legislation. In addition, a survey found that 1.25 million low-income parents would take advantage of scholarships to attend a better private or religious school if given a choice. None of the lawsuits against school choice was upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court, although many are pending. Public opinion shows continued interest in school choice, especially at the grass-roots level among African Americans, but the development that could significantly affect the future of the movement is the presidential election. Research has shown that school choice works, but many challenges lie ahead for the supporters of school choice. Two charts show governor support of school vouchers and school choice and charter school programs at a glance. (SLD) Descriptors: *Charter Schools; *Educational Vouchers; Elementary Secondary Education; Free Choice Transfer Programs; Minority Groups; Nontraditional Education; Private School Aid; Racial Discrimination; *School Choice; School Restructuring; State Legislation; *State Programs; Tax Credits; Tuition; *Urban Schools Geographic Source: U.S.; District of Columbia ED440176 UD033470 School Choice, 2000: What's Happening in the States. Author: Rees, Nina Shokraii Institutional Author: Heritage Foundation, Washington, DC.(BBB19698) Availability: Heritage Foundation, 214 Massachusetts Avenue, NE, Washington, DC 20002-4999 ($12.99). Tel: 800-544-4843 (Toll Free); Web site: http://www.heritage.org. For full text: http://www.heritage.org/schools/. Publication Date: 2000 ISBN: 0-89195-089-3 Language: English Pages: 228 Document Type: Reports--Evaluative (142) Journal Announcement: RIESEP2000 Abstract: This report presents an analysis of the school choice movement throughout the United States, and a state-by-state analysis that provides snapshots of each state's progress toward school choice and charter schools. The Children's Scholarship Fund found that 1.25 million low-income parents would take advantage of scholarships that would allow their children to attend private or religious schools if given the chance. A number of state initiatives affecting school choice are planned, but the one development that could significantly alter the course of school choice is the Presidential election. The state profiles contain information on the state's education statistics, an overview of its educational reform efforts, and an analysis of recent developments in school choice and charter schools, along with a review of the positions of the governor and the state legislature on school choice. State contacts for further information on school choice are provided. Appendixes contain a list of national organizations that promote school choice and a review of state home school laws. (SLD) Descriptors: *Charter Schools; *Educational Vouchers; Elementary Secondary Education; Free Choice Transfer Programs; Minority Groups; Nontraditional Education; Private School Aid; *School Choice; School Restructuring; State Legislation; *State Programs; Tax Credits; Tuition; *Urban Schools Descriptive Terms: Foreword by Jeb Bush. For the 1997 report, see ED 412 320. Geographic Source: U.S.; District of Columbia ED439521 EA030329 Community as Incentive in the Formation of Charter Schools. Author: Freeman, Eric Availability: EDRS Price MF01/PC02 Plus Postage. Publication Date: April 1999 Language: English Pages: 45 Document Type: Reports--Evaluative (142); Speeches/meeting papers (150) Journal Announcement: RIESEP2000 Abstract: This paper is based on a study of four newly created charter schools in North Carolina. It explores the purpose and values that prompted and guided the initial formation of these schools. It opens with a review of the conflicting claims and ambivalent purposes that characterize the policy environment as it pertains to charter-school reform. This overview is followed by an examination of the challenges such schools face in remaining faithful to democratic ideals. For the study, two founders, the principal, and four teachers were observed and interviewed in each of the four schools to learn what they brought into these alternative learning environments in the way of knowledge, beliefs, experiences, and dispositions. The article describes the three dimensions of the schools that proved central to their establishing a distinctive community identity: social vision, inclusive leadership, and congruent pedagogy. The findings contradict the popular perception of charter schools as normatively coherent learning communities whose members are unified around a set of implicitly shared values and goals. The paper concludes that reductionist notions of charter unity ignore the harder truth that achieving authentic community schools entails much more than filtering out potentially dissonant elements. (Contains 91 references.) (RJM) Descriptors: *Charter Schools; Educational Change; *Educational Environment; Educational Philosophy; Elementary Secondary Education; Program Descriptions; *School Choice; School Community Relationship Identifiers: *North Carolina Descriptive Terms: Paper presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Educational Research Association (Montreal, Quebec, Canada, April 19-23, 1999). Geographic Source: U.S.; North Carolina ED438626 EA030267 A Word On... Fall 1999/Winter 2000. Author: Gittins, Naomi, Ed. Institutional Author: National School Boards Association, Alexandria, VA.(BBB23035) Availability: EDRS Price MF01/PC01 Plus Postage. Journal Citation: A Word On..., v15 n4 Fall 1999-Win 2000 Publication Date: 2000 Language: English Pages: 25 Document Type: Collected works--Serials (022) Journal Announcement: RIEAUG2000 Abstract: This issue summarizes the development and impact of charter schools. It examines aspects of laws that have paved the way for charter schools and describes some of the litigation that has accompanied the charter-school phenomenon. The text offers practical advice on how to draft good charter-school contracts and notes some of the past and ongoing research that addresses the questions of whether charter schools have been able to deliver what proponents promised and what school children need in order to receive the type of education that they deserve. The text opens with a breakdown of states with charter-school legislation and the year that these laws were passed. During the 1990s, 36 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico enacted legislation enabling charter schools. Most of the document is devoted to information charts on charter schools. This information, categorized by state, includes synopses of eligible applicants for charter-school status, relation of charter schools to the school system, the organizational status of the charter schools in the state, the authority as regards charter-school employees, and the finance provisions for the state's charter schools. Brief overviews of charter-school litigation are presented after the charts, followed by issues and checklists for the charter-school contract. (RJM) Descriptors: *Charter Schools; Court Litigation; Educational Administration; *Educational Assessment; Elementary Secondary Education; National Surveys; School Demography; State Surveys; *Summative Evaluation Identifiers: Chartering Process Geographic Source: U.S.; Virginia ED435813 CE079345 Redefining Public Education: The Promise of Employer-Linked Charter Schools. Institutional Author: Public Policy Associates, Inc., Lansing, MI.(BBB35794); National Alliance of Business, Inc., Washington, DC.(BBB17805); Michigan Future, Inc., Ann Arbor.(BBB34975) Availability: EDRS Price MF01/PC02 Plus Postage. Sponsoring Agency: Department of Education, Washington, DC. (EDD00001) Publication Date: July 1999 Language: English Pages: 41 Document Type: Reports--Descriptive (141) Journal Announcement: RIEMAY2000 Abstract: This paper describes the context that has encouraged the emergence of more than 100 employer-linked charter schools throughout the United States and examines the efforts of the employers and educators who are involved in employer-linked charter schools. The paper begins by explaining how the following business changes have promoted development of employer-linked charter schools: technology; globalization; escalating customer expectations; view of people as a strategic element; and extended enterprise. Discussed next are the promise of employer-linked charter schools and the natural affinity between employers and charters. Examples are then presented that illustrate the following key elements of employer-linked charter schools at work: founders' vision; learning in context and in the world; meeting workforce development needs; charters' relationship to traditional school systems; unique features of employer-linked charter schools; curriculum innovation; raising standards; assessment of student achievement; flexibility in staffing; and role models and mentoring. The paper's conclusion emphasizes the following findings regarding employer-linked charter schools: they provide compelling evidence of what charters can accomplish; they can increase the level of ownership by the business community; their relationship with public education can take many forms; they serve diverse as well as disadvantaged student populations; and they are an experiment in progress. (MN) Descriptors: Academic Achievement; *Charter Schools; Conventional Instruction; Curriculum Development; Disadvantaged Youth; *Education Work Relationship; Educational Benefits; Educational Improvement; Educational Needs; Educational Objectives; *Educational Practices; Evaluation Methods; Experiential Learning; Innovation; Labor Force Development; Labor Needs; Mentors; National Surveys; Nontraditional Education; *Partnerships in Education; Public Education; Role Models; *School Business Relationship; Secondary Education; Staff Development; Student Evaluation; *Vocational Education Identifiers: *Contextual Learning Descriptive Terms: For related documents on charter schools, see CE 079 343-344. Contract Number: SB97023001 Geographic Source: U.S.; Michigan ED435811 CE079343 An Inventory of Business-Linked Charter Schools. Institutional Author: Public Policy Associates, Inc., Lansing, MI.(BBB35794); National Alliance of Business, Inc., Washington, DC.(BBB17805); Michigan Future, Inc., Ann Arbor.(BBB34975) Availability: EDRS Price MF01/PC07 Plus Postage. Sponsoring Agency: Department of Education, Washington, DC. (EDD00001) Publication Date: December 1998 Language: English Pages: 168 Document Type: Reports--Research (143) Journal Announcement: RIEMAY2000 Abstract: An inventory of business-linked charter schools operating in the United States was developed. The data collection methods used to develop the inventory were as follows: soliciting nominations from key contacts in each state having charter school legislation; comparing the nominations with lists of charter schools from selected state education department Web sites; identifying additional schools through personal contacts at a 1997 national charter schools conference; and searching the school profile database. A total of 77 business-linked charter schools were identified, and profiling of each school was initiated. To date, 59 summary profiles have been developed. The inventory established the existence of four broad types of career orientation at various business-linked charter schools: career preparation; career focus; career informed; and noncareer partnership. Six recurring themes identified during the inventory were explored in depth: (1) stages of school development and their implications for cross-fertilization; (2) adapting to the environment; (3) career path identification and choice; (4) customized design options; (5) variability of organizational structures; and (6) impact of state legislation on business-linked charter schools. (The bibliography contains 22 references. Appendixes, constituting approximately 50% of the document, contain an overview of the research methods and the 59 summary profile sheets.) (MN) Descriptors: Academic Achievement; *Charter Schools; Conventional Instruction; Curriculum Development; *Education Work Relationship; Educational Benefits; Educational Improvement; Educational Legislation; Educational Needs; Educational Objectives; Educational Practices; Evaluation Methods; Experiential Learning; Federal Legislation; Innovation; Labor Force Development; Labor Needs; Mentors; National Surveys; Nontraditional Education; *Partnerships in Education; Public Education; Role Models; *School Business Relationship; Secondary Education; Staff Development; Student Evaluation; *Vocational Education Identifiers: *Contextual Learning; School to Work Opportunities Act 1994 Descriptive Terms: For related documents on charter schools, see CE 079 344-345. Contract Number: SB97023001 Geographic Source: U.S.; Michigan ED435518 RC022134 Charter Schools: The Perspective from AEL's Region. AEL Policy Briefs. Institutional Author: Appalachia Educational Lab., Charleston, WV.(AWT03075) Availability: AEL, P.O. Box 1348, Charleston, WV 25325-1348 (free). Tel: 800-624-9120 (Toll Free). For full text: http://www.ael.org/rel/policy/charter.htm . Sponsoring Agency: Office of Educational Research and Improvement (ED), Washington, DC. (EDD00036) Publication Date: 1999 Language: English Pages: 10 Document Type: Reports--Descriptive (141) Journal Announcement: RIEAPR2000 Abstract: A charter school is a public school that is operated under a detailed contract with a public agency and that may be exempt from many state and local regulations. This policy brief provides a brief overview of charter school characteristics and legislation, and discusses the concerns of policymakers in four states: Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. Following a definition of charter schools, viewpoints for and against charter schools are examined. A profile of charter schools points out that most are small, are nongraded or nontraditional in grade configuration, and have student demographics similar to other public schools. Governance is determined by state legislation, and the extent of charter school autonomy varies widely. Issues that policymakers must address in charter school legislation are listed. Results of research on charter school effectiveness have been mixed. The following concerns are specific to the four-state region: the rural nature of much of the region, which creates problems related to facilities and transportation; issues related to equity of school funding; and the above-average number of special education students in the region. The status of charter school legislation in each of the states is described. Sidebars discuss vouchers, examine how federal criteria affect funding for state and local charter school proposals, and list related Web sites. (Contains 31 references.) (SV) Descriptors: Accountability; *Charter Schools; *Educational Legislation; *Educational Policy; Educational Vouchers; Elementary Secondary Education; Institutional Characteristics; Small Schools; *State Legislation Identifiers: *Appalachia Educational Laboratory WV; Kentucky; Tennessee; Virginia; West Virginia Contract Number: RJ96006001 Geographic Source: U.S.; West Virginia ED428150 UD032823 Behind the Charter School Myths. Research Paper Prepared for the National Issues in Education Initiative. Institutional Author: Canadian Teachers' Federation, Ottawa (Ontario).(BBB02662) Availability: Canadian Teachers' Federation, 110 Argyle Avenue, Ottawa, ON K2P 1B4, Canada ($5 Canadian); Tel: 613-232-1505; Fax: 613-232-1886; E-mail: info@ctf-fce.ca Publication Date: September 1997 ISBN: 0-88989-317-9 Language: English Pages: 50 Document Type: Reports--Descriptive (141) Journal Announcement: RIEJUL1999 Abstract: The rapid expansion of charter schools would suggest that there is evidence of their effectiveness, but this is not the case. The lack of objective evidence of their success reinforces the claim that charter school reforms are political and ideological rather than educational reforms. The arguments in favor of charter schools have exploited some myths, and these myths have swayed some people whose goals are to strengthen the quality of public education. The following myths are addressed and countered: (1) there is a crisis in public education; (2) the charter school movement invented school choice; (3) charter schools make choice equally available to all; (4) the competition of market forces improves the quality of education; (5) charter schools improve curriculum, instruction, and student achievement; (6) charter schools promote equity; (7) results from charter schools have been favorable; (8) charter schools break the "gridlock" of bureaucracy; (9) teachers support charter schools; and (10) charter schools are an innovative educational reform. (Contains 67 references.) (SLD) Descriptors: *Charter Schools; *Educational Change; Elementary Secondary Education; Foreign Countries; Political Influences; *Public Schools; *School Choice; School Effectiveness; *Urban Schools Identifiers: Canada; Reform Efforts Descriptive Terms: For the French version, see UD 032 824. Geographic Source: Canada; Ontario ED427140 UD032788 Selected Readings on School Reform. Vol. 3, No. 1. Institutional Author: Thomas B. Fordham Foundation, Washington, DC.(BBB35085) Availability: Thomas B. Fordham Foundation, 1627 K Street, NW, Suite 600, Washington, DC 20006; Tel: 888-TBF-7474 (Toll Free); Fax: 202-223-9226; Web site: http://www.edexcellence.net Journal Citation: Selected Readings on School Reform, v3 n1 Win 1999 Publication Date: 1999 Language: English Pages: 168 Document Type: Collected works--Serials (022) Journal Announcement: RIEJUN1999 Abstract: This collection of essays and articles on education reform highlights many of the issues of greatest interest to educators and the public. Articles are grouped into the following categories: (1) "The Front Lines" (9 selections); (2) "Charter Schools" (4 selections); (3) "School Choice" (4 selections); (4) "Standards, Tests, and Accountability" (10 selections); (5) "Teacher Quality" (7 selections); (6) "Curriculum & Content" (4 selections); (7) "Higher Education" (4 selections); and (8) "Grab Bag" (5 selections). (SLD) Descriptors: Accountability; *Charter Schools; *Curriculum; *Educational Change; Educational Testing; Elementary Secondary Education; Higher Education; *School Choice; Standards; *Teacher Qualifications Identifiers: *Reform Efforts Geographic Source: U.S.; District of Columbia ED427057 TM029438 Lessons in School Reform: An Evaluation of a University-operated Charter Middle School. Author: Dannis, Jacqueline; Colombo, Marie; Sawilowsky, Shlomo Institutional Author: Wayne State Univ., Detroit, MI. Coll. of Urban, Labor, and Metropolitan Affairs.(BBB29693) Availability: EDRS Price MF01/PC03 Plus Postage. Sponsoring Agency: Office of Educational Research and Improvement (ED), Washington, DC. (EDD00036) Publication Date: December 1996 Language: English Pages: 66 Document Type: Reports--Evaluative (142) Journal Announcement: RIEJUN1999 Abstract: The Wayne State University Public School (UPS), Detroit (Michigan), a university-operated charter middle school, is strongly influenced by the educational reform movement. The evolution of UPS is documented as a case study of educational reform in the 1990s, focusing on the 1994-95 school year. The school is in an urban area marked by poverty and crime. It has implemented an extended-day format and provides educational and enrichment activities from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. The school also provides counseling and medical services through grant-funded projects. The 340 students in the 1994-95 school year, nearly all of whom were African American, came from all over Detroit. The school had an "adhocratic" organizational structure, with an organizational structure that empowered teachers. Teachers developed their own classroom curricula, and the lack of development of an innovative, interdisciplinary, school-wide curriculum was sometimes apparent. Student achievement at UPS varied significantly, with improvements linked to teachers' experience with middle school students and the teachers' ability to keep students engaged. Parents appeared to be satisfied with UPS, and students particularly appreciated the feeling of safety in the school. In line with current educational reform, the UPS has developed an innovative organizational structure that allows for flexibility and responsiveness to student needs, empowered teachers for decision making, and worked in collaboration with a university. Implications for additional improvements are discussed. Three appendixes discuss the evaluation instrumentation and methodology, the parent, staff, and student survey responses, and Wayne State University and UPS collaborative programs. (Contains 7 figures, 5 tables, and 30 references.) (SLD) Descriptors: Academic Achievement; *Charter Schools; *College School Cooperation; Educational Change; Higher Education; Intermediate Grades; Junior High Schools; *Middle Schools; Minority Groups; Program Evaluation; Public Schools; *School Organization; *Urban Schools Identifiers: *Ad Hoc Strategy; Reform Efforts; *Wayne State University MI Contract Number: R117E40242 Geographic Source: U.S.; Michigan ED426515 EA029670 Charter Schools and Students with Disabilities: Review of Existing Data. Author: Fiore, Thomas A.; Warren, Sandra H.; Cashman, Erin R. Institutional Author: Research Triangle Inst., Research Triangle Park, NC.(BBB18445) Availability: Website: http://www.ed.gov Governmental Status: Federal Sponsoring Agency: Office of Educational Research and Improvement (ED), Washington, DC. (EDD00036)@; National Inst. on Student Achievement, Curriculum, and Assessment (ED/OERI), Washington, DC. (EDD00100) Publication Date: February 1999 Report Number: SAI-1999-3002 Language: English Pages: 39 Document Type: Information Analysis (070) Journal Announcement: RIEJUN1999 Abstract: This paper summarizes existing research on policy-relevant analyses t |