Private vs Charter Schools Charter Schools Public School

Private vs. Charter Schools

Charter Schools Public School (1990 – proposed as reform idea for public schools) State statute exempting it from selected state rules and regs. in exchange for some type of accountability for producing certain results (set forth in their specific charter. ) New or re-created public/ private school Governed by a group or organization under contract by a charter with the state. Parents, teachers, and community organizations are the founders of most charter schools, but some are started by forprofit companies. Two principles guide charters = 1. ) operate as autonomous public schools; 2. ) they will use innovative pedagogy

Charter Schools cont. The charter is a statutorily defined performance contract detailing the school’s mission, program, goals, students served, methods of assessment, and ways to measure success (usually last/ granted for 3 - 5 years; depends on the state) Charter schools are public schools that have been freed of many restrictive rules and regulations. In return, these schools are expected to achieve specific educational outcomes within a certain period (They are supposed to produce results superior to non charter schools) Funded by state by transferring per-pupil state aid; some private donors are common (some Federal funds are now creeping in. ) Charters tend to be small - they are usually in urban areas - more diverse, although have less special needs students, and more individual attention from teacher? ! Typically smaller than public schools, 60 percent of charter schools have fewer than 200 students. Research has not found statistical proof that charter schools out perform public Resource limitations, local school board opposition, accountable for both academic results and fiscal practices, don’t need teacher/ administrative certifications

Private Schools A school that is controlled by an individual or agency other than a govt entity, which is usually supported primarily by other than public funds, and the operation of who program rests with someone other than publicly elected or appointed officials.

Private Schools cont. Not administer by local, state, or national govt Retain right to select student body Funded by charging students tuition Prep/ boarding/ military/ trade/ art/ religious schools = achievement is not usually a factor Teacher and administrative credential are not required

• Charter vs. Private Country = 34, 681 private schools and 4, 132 charter schools in (2006) • • • Los Angeles 52 charter 279 private; New York 17 charter 161 private; Phoenix 134 charter 95 private Elementary charter schools tended to have larger class sizes than private elementary schools and secondary charter schools tended to have larger class sizes by an even greater degree than private secondary schools. Nearly five times as many charter school teachers as private school teachers reported the students engaging in physical conflict was a significant problem in their school. Slightly more private schools than charter schools offered extended school, before school, or after school daycare programs. Charter schools using a salary schedule offered a significantly higher base salary to beginning teachers with no experience than private schools did. Notably more full-time charter school teachers participated in in-depth professional development activities in their area of expertise than did full-time private school teachers.