The charter-schools movement provides the opportunity to observe whether granting schools freedom from most state regulations actually produces more freedom for school administrators and teachers, and whether this autonomy produces other distinctive outcomes. This report summarizes findings of Southwest Regional Laboratory's (SWRL's) statewide survey of California charter schools. During 1994-95, 54 administrators and 230 teachers returned questionnaires that had been mailed to the 66 charter schools operating in California at the time. Survey responses were also received from 46 principals of noncharter (comparison) schools in California and 63 charter schools across the United States. Data are presented on school characteristics, institutional autonomy, educational innovation, teacher characteristics and effectiveness, and access to education. High-autonomy schools more often reported greater freedom and less cooperative relationships with unions; fewer purchasing restrictions and more money for instruction; more parent participation; and more at-risk students. Compared to their counterparts in regular schools, charter-school teachers reported that they had more influence but heavier workloads. Teachers in new charters were the least secure about their jobs but were among the most satisfied with their jobs. The most common innovations were related to instructional strategies, site-based governance, and parental participation. The data indicate that, as a group, charter schools do not select the most able, privileged students, nor do they exclude those who have been traditionally underserved. However, some evidence suggests that, in comparison to other schools, charter schools tend to skim students who come from low-income families, have below-average test scores; and qualify for special education, and/or they tend to select students from privileged families. Certain types of charter schools are less accessible than others to underserved, at-risk children. A total of 43 figures and 15 tables are included. (Contains 45 references.) (LMI)