Charter schools celebrate a decade of growth

In early May, charter schools across the country began showcasing their unique approach to public education as part of the third annual National Charter Schools Week.

As any parent of school-aged children knows, having a school that meets your child’s needs is not always as easy as it may seem. Charter schools in their first ten years have provided much needed choices to families for whom their assigned school may have been lacking. There are 579,880 students attending some 2,400 charter schools in the nation today. The majority serve elementary school students, but 20 percent are high schools and 25 percent serve combined grades.

Far from the fad some once thought, however, charter schools today have wide spread support. President George Bush signed a proclamation honoring National Charter School Week, recognizing the important successes of the charter school movement:

“In reading, math, science, special education, early childhood education, and other areas, charter schools have implemented innovative programs that produce results,” the proclamation says. “Charter school principals and teachers have the freedom to develop classroom techniques that meet their students' unique needs, and parents appreciate the ability to have direct input into their children's educational progress.”

And Bush noted that the effects of charter schools extend beyond the schoolhouse walls. “Wherever charter schools are clustered together, we see traditional schools reevaluate their methods and programs. At this basic level, charter schools help stimulate community debate and inspire educational excellence,” the proclamation reads.

The charter school movement has come a long way in the decade since the opening of the first charter school in St. Paul, Minnesota in 1991. The idea of operating a school on a performance contract in exchange for autonomy from many district operations has caught on. Today, charter schools operate in 34 states and Washington, D.C. Three states, Wyoming, New Hampshire, and Indiana, have charters school laws but no schools yet.

The top five states with the most charter schools:

1. Arizona: 419
   
2. California: 358
   
3. Texas: 214
   
4. Michigan: 196
   
5. Florida: 180
   

Approximately five percent of all charter schools ever opened have been closed.

Because of their skyrocketing growth, charter schools have received a great deal of research attention. Surveys conducted by the Center for Education Reform show the demand for charter schools is rising – fueled by parental demand, student satisfaction and entrepreneurial spirit. Polls of parents in charter schools often reflect an overwhelming satisfaction with this new brand of education. Indeed, more students want to enroll in charter schools than there is space to accommodate them. Some two-thirds of charter schools have waiting lists.

Yet, despite their phenomenal success, the charter school movement is still creating debate. Across the nation, there are efforts to both drive as well as distract charter schools. If you are an advocate of education reform, keep alert for efforts to squash charter schools in your area.

Want to learn more about charter schools in your area? Log onto the resources area at www.edreform.com and connect with groups working on charters in your state.

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Urban charter closes the achievement gap

Roxbury Preparatory Charter School has much to celebrate. And during National Charter School Week, this Boston middle school invited President Bush’s top official for K-12 education, and other public figures, to come see first hand why.

Since opening in 1999, this school of 155 African-American or Latino students has garnered the attention of educators for closing the achievement gap between white and minority students. On the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System exams last year, Roxbury students’ scores were on par with white students.

Students at Roxbury had the highest score of any predominantly African-American school in the state on the sixth grade exam and the second highest score on the seventh grade exam last year. Even more importantly, these gains were made at a school where over a third of the students enroll more than two grade levels behind.

In light of the school’s success, Susan Neuman, U.S. Assistant Secretary of Education for Elementary and Secondary Education, toured Roxbury and spoke about the new federal education reform plan on May 1.

The school’s co-director, John King says the students and teachers were honored to have the secretary visit and recognize their hard work. “There is no question that the principles of choice and accountability underlying the No Child Left Behind Act are consistent with the Massachusetts charter school legislation and the founding vision of Roxbury Prep,” says King.

Here, students are at school from 7:45 a.m. until 4:15 p.m. They wear uniforms and follow strict rules to ensure that classes are focused and productive, says King. Students take two English classes, and two math classes each day and do two hours of homework nightly.

And, the test scores show that students have done well with this regimen. “We welcome the tests because we view them as a tool to combat the stereotype that urban students and students of color cannot perform at the same level as suburban or white students,” says King. “We refuse to argue the merits of standardized testing. Complaining about the tests sends the wrong message to our kids. If Roxbury Prep’s students are going to enter outstanding high schools and colleges, they must learn to succeed on these tests.”

This philosophy appears to be working. This year, one-fourth of the students in the school’s first eighth-grade class to finish all three years at Roxbury gained admission to area independent and parochial schools, according to John Park, director of development at Roxbury. The 14 students have earned over $300,000 in financial aid, most receiving full-ride scholarships to well-known high schools.

One of those students is Chrystal Korngay’s son, Elijah, an 8th grader at Roxbury. He received a scholarship to Williston-North Hampton, a boarding school in East Hampton, Massachusetts.

Korngay chose Roxbury because it set high expectations for students and provided a disciplined environment. “He’s had to work at school to earn his grades. And he has homework every night. He’s challenged,” says Korngay. “He’s become a much better student.”

The school was very helpful in introducing parents to various high school options and providing workshops about the admissions process, says Korngay. Elijah also took advantage of Roxbury’s summer math camp and other opportunities to get prepared academically.

“The school has been excellent. It has exceeded my expectations,” says Korngay.

King says the future vision of Roxbury is simple: “We want our school to become one of the highest performing schools in the Commonwealth, period.” As charter schools demonstrate their success through tests, annual reviews and charter renewal, King anticipates that more parents will see charters as a refreshing alternative. Roxbury currently has a waiting list of 75 for the sixth grade. “Over time, I think we will hear fewer arguments against charter schools, and more arguments for expanding freedom and accountability in public education.”

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