In Midst of Skepticism and Scrutiny, NEA's 5 Charter Schools Push On

By Lynn Schnaiberg

The National Education Association announced its foray into the charter movement nearly two years ago, with much fanfare and a vow that the massive union would put its own stamp on the innovative schools.

With some exceptions, teachers at NEA-sponsored charter schools in states with collective bargaining would receive the same benefits and contract provisions as other public school teachers.

The educators involved in the union's five charter school proposals have been acutely aware that they are under the microscope. Many in the NEA's state and local affiliates have traditionally viewed charter schools as unproven experiments and a threat to...