Mover+12

Sect.14-group 1
 * Mover Name:** **charter school movement**


 * Basic Works:** **A** charter school is an independent public school that operates independently of the district board of education. Educators, parents, or community leaders can write a charter plan describing the school's guiding principles, governance structure, and accountability measures. If the state approves the charter, the state funds the charter on a per pupil basis. In most cases charter schools operate under a clear agreement between the state and the school: increased autonomy in exchange for increased accountability. Because they are schools of choice, they are held to the highest level of accountability, consumer demand. Charter schools are a fast growing movement, that seem to have bipartisan support by the government.


 * Key Work:** This is a growing movement that seems to be working, and gaining support. As of 2004 there were 2,996 charters schools operating for the 2003-2004 school year, serving 741,949 children. In 1991 Minnesota passed the first charter school law, with California following in 1992. By 1995, 19 states had signed laws allowing for the creation of charter schools, and by 2003 that number increased to 40 states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia..


 * Key Personnel:** **Albert Shanker**, publicized the idea in the 1970’s suggesting that local boards could charter an entire school with union and teacher approval. Since 1994, the U.S. Department of Education has provided grants to support states' charter school efforts. In 1997 President Clinton called for the creation of 3,000 charter schools by the year 2002. In 2002, President Bush called for $200 million to support charter schools. His proposed budget called for another $100 million for a new Credit Enhancement for Charter Schools Facilities Program. Since 1994, the U.S. Department of Education has provided grants to support states' charter school efforts.


 * Why/How a mover?** Charter schools run on a more capitalist approach to competition. They differ from a private school in the sense that charter schools must accept all students on first come-first serve basis or by lottery and cannot charge tuition, making an alternative education available to all classes. In a sense they are a for profit institution, however their profit is government funded, with strict standard and performance guidelines that must be met. This creates competition with public school districts, which in theory will only improve the performance of both types of schools. Also since community members can start a charter school, it allows for a more intimate and personal role with the education system.


 * Links:** http://www.edreform.com/index.cfm?fuseAction=document&documentID=60&sectionID=67&NEWSYEAR=2004
 * http://www.uscharterschools.org/pub/uscs_docs/o/faq.html**
 * http://www.amistadacademy.org/questions.html**