Presents the case study of a collaborative partnership between the Dayton Public Schools (Ohio), the Dayton Education Association (union), and community constituencies in providing elementary education options for students. Outlines lessons learned in the establishment of the World of Wonder Accelerated Primary School. (SLD)

This article presents a study that explores the relationship between charter schools and teacher autonomy. The theoretical framework is based on the charter school concept, whereby three policy levers--choice, deregulation, and accountability--lead to various goals for the charter school. One of the first and foremost of these is the enhancement…

Surveyed teachers in traditional public and charter schools in Colorado and Michigan to examine differences in their perceptions of empowerment (specifically, decision making and autonomy). Results found no significant differences between the groups in perceptions of autonomy. Teachers in traditional schools believed they had more opportunities to…

Analyzed information from 14 charter-granting agencies (CGAs) to understand the challenges they have faced in their roles as charter school gatekeepers. CGAs use diverse strategies to meet their responsibilities, but in many cases the processes by which charter schools will be held accountable have not been well-developed. (SLD)

A review of the research and a look at some assumptions about charter schools suggests that charter schools do have the potential to help teachers improve instruction. The effectiveness of charter school reforms emerges from common focus and a certain level of teacher self-determination. (SLD)

Examines the efficacy of a market approach to school reform (charter schools and choice options), noting that public education should serve the public good. Discusses the move from democratic to market theory, describing losers and winners in market-driven schools. Suggests that most disadvantaged students will be forgotten if market-based policy…

Synthesizes research on the work of charter school teachers, juxtaposing it with case studies of teachers in six urban elementary charter schools. Charter schools, with increased autonomy over personnel and budget, were free to make decisions regarding hiring, salary, and working conditions. Charter teachers worked longer hours with less job…

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…

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)

The school choice debate evokes compelling arguments by advocates and opponents alike. As the controversy continues, urban school districts are losing significant resources to charter schools. Districts seeking to compete in the race to reclaim dollars lost to the school choice battle should emulate the factors that have propelled parents to seek…

Investigates the implications of charter school choice for equity, discussing three standards of equity (racial balance, resources, and outcome). Reviews the equity provisions of state charter legislation, research on who chooses charter schools for their children and why, and analyses of the demographic characteristics of charter school students.…

Examines the legal issues that may have impacts on charter schools. Considers the results of a study of the impact of charter school laws on urban schools (E. Rofes, 1998). Questions whether charter schools are public institutions and examines the key constitutional issues they face. Also reflects on labor issues and dealing with teachers' unions.…

Depending on state statutory language, charter schools may be able to exercise more control over their student body composition. Unlike traditional public schools, charter schools may have the opportunity to increase student body diversity by drawing students from across traditional school district boundary lines. Specifically, depending on the…