As of 1996, charter schools were just emerging in the Northwest region of the United States. This publication presents the proceedings of a symposium held to review information about charter-school policy, operations, and outcomes. A cross-section of leaders in education, government, and community from the states of Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington met to study charter-school legislation and literature, to share developments in their home states, and to examine the issues that define and shape the movement as it develops in the Northwest. The first part of the publication contains discussion highlights from the symposium, which focused on charter-school legislation in the Northwest and critical issues for charter schools. The second part, "A Review of Current Charter School Policy and Governance Issues," by Douglas J. Thomas, provides an overview of recent research on the policy and governance issues that charter schools face. It includes a guide for organizing and assisting new charter-school startups. Parts 3 and 4 contain a March 1996 Morrison Institute policy brief titled "Charter Schools: The Reform and the Research," by Lori A. Mulholland, and a November 1996 addendum by the same author. A chart lists key components of "expansive" charter-school laws in 10 states across the nation. The appendix lists participants and presenters. Articles contain references. (LMI)