What is Charter?
What is a Charter School?
A charter school is a school that receives government funding but operates independently of the established state school system in which it is located.
Charter Schools are autonomous or semi-autonomous.
which president awarded 4 billion dollars to charter schools under RTT (Race to the Top Program)?
President Obama
Does Pennsylvania law allow up to 25% of a charter school’s teachers to be non-certified?
Yes!
The state gets to decide if teachers in charter schools need to be certified.
In PA Who can enroll in a PA charter school?
Any student who lives in PA can apply for PA charter school.
First preference is given to student who lives in the same district as the charter school.
If there is not enough room, students are selected randomly (through lottery).
There are around 150 charter schools in PA.
True!
90,000 students attend charter schools in PA
How are charter schools funded?
They are Federally funded.They also receive per pupil state aid.
In PA, charter schools must comply with laws relating to..?
Must special education teachers hold their certification in order to teach students with disabilities in charter schools?
Yes.
Can charter schools restrict admission based on academic ability, athletic ability, disability, test scores, or limited english language skill?
No.
Charter schools can not deny enrollment or discriminate in its admission policies based on a students disability or the students needs for additional aids or services.
Charter schools can charge tuition.
False.
Charter schools must be free and cannot impose coast that may prohibit the enrollment of certain students.
When was the first charter school developed?
1990
Who is responsible for transporting students to and from charter schools each day?
The district must provide free transportation to students who live in that district.
This is true even if the district does not provide transportation to their own public schools.
Do employees at charter schools have the right to collective bargaining?
Yes!
Can charter schools give preference regarding admission to students with siblings attending the school or parents who were involved in the creation of the school?
Yes.
Charter schools are held accountable for student performance.
True!
If the goals in the charter are not reached, the school should be closed and charter not renewed.
Who are charter schools run by?
Private boards
"Charter schools must outline their mission and _______ and undergo a review process to show that their program qualifies for charter school status."
Curriculum.
This is a regulation in all states
Are PA charter school teachers generally paid higher or lower than regular public school teachers?
Lower.
Charter school teachers also tend to be younger and less experienced.
Once a student is enrolled in a charter school, does the student have to re-apply every year?
No, once the student is enrolled he or she has the right to attend the school without having to reapply.
Charter schools are required to provide a "gifted program" for students.
False.
Charter schools do not have to comply with chapter 16.
What is the latest trend regarding charter schools?
Virtual charter schools.
13 virtual charter schools in PA.
30,000 students attend.
Do charter schools have to operate on the same calendar as other public schools?
No.
Charter schools are required to hold 180 days of school but are free to work off of their own schedule.
What percent of PA charter school teachers are part of the union?
About 12%
Are charter school students allowed to participate in extracurricular activities?
Yes.
Students are entitled to participate in the extracurricular activity of their school district of residence if the activity is not offered by the charter school.
There is a standard charter school model.
False.
Charter schools can be developed around a specific area of focus, making them unique.