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In today’s world, education is the key to one’s future. The outlook could be bleak according to the researchers of Educational Testing Services (ETS). A report from ETS’s Policy Information Center states that, unless we act now, the “convergence of three powerful socioeconomic forces are changing our nation’s future: substantial disparities in skill levels (reading and math); seismic economic changes (widening wage gaps); and sweeping demographic shifts (less education, lower skills).”

Fortunately, South Carolina students today do have some control over their futures. Students can take action on two of these three forces by choosing a school that meets their learning needs, increases their skill level, and offers academic guidance. Deciding on which school to attend may also affect career choices and narrow the wage gap, as well. The South Carolina public education system offers two types of public school choices: traditional and charter.

Traditional and charter public schools are funded by local, state, and federal moneys, except that public charter schools do not receive funding for facilities, transportation and often food services. Neither traditional nor charter public schools can charge tuition or may “pick and choose” their students. Traditional public schools are controlled by a central local governmental authority such as a district school board.

Most traditional public schools operate within a defined attendance area, and may require an application if students enroll outside the defined perimeter. Some traditional school systems also offer opportunities in magnet and alternative schools that exist outside zoned school boundaries. They usually have a special program to offer which makes them an option for some students. Magnet schools are not autonomous, remain part of the bureaucracy of the traditional school system and usually are highly selective of students. All traditional schools are required to comply with district and state regulations. For example, the state mandates the standardization for core curriculum and prescribes textbooks for these schools.

The charter school is a public school of choice operated by an independent board of directors that is focused on one school. Public charter schools operate with freedom from many of the state regulations that apply to traditional public schools. The “charter” establishing each such school is a performance contract with the sponsoring school district detailing the school’s mission, program, goals, students served, methods of academic assessment, and ways to measure success. In exchange for freedom from local and state regulations, charter operators must promise to fulfill a set of academic and operational goals laid out in their charter. A charter school’s intentions are based on three principles — autonomy, choice, and accountability.

Like traditional schools, public charter schools are required to meet Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) as defined by The No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act of 2001, the main federal law affecting public education. In addition to meeting AYP, charter schools are evaluated by their sponsoring district on how well they meet the goals established in their charter and how well they manage the fiscal and operational responsibilities entrusted to them. If they fail to deliver, they are closed.

NCLB supports the growth of more independent public charter schools. They can focus on a specialized curriculum, serve a special student population, and use progressive or traditional approaches. The first charter school in the United States was founded in 1992 and was renewed upon demonstrating success. The Center for Education Reform cites over 60 studies showing public charter schools accomplishing their goals and reports that 69 percent of independent public charter schools have waiting lists. South Carolina has 31 charter schools currently in operation.

South Carolina parents and students do have educational choice. Furthermore, federal law requires that states and local school districts provide information to help parents make informed educational choices for their children. To ensure successful futures for South Carolina students, every student and parent must have public school choice with options that work — “one student at a time.”

Originally published at greenvilleonline.com. Fred Crawford is principal of Greenville Tech Charter High School.