Charters and Choice

Current and past coverage documents efforts to promote and implement charter schools and school choice programs as solutions for education reform.

Three districts and a charter school consortium will receive a share of $500 million to improve teacher effectiveness. November 19, 2009

Mass. Gov. Rebuffed in Request for Ed. Bill

November 18, 2009, AP

Mass. Gov. to House: Stay in Session, Pass Ed. Bill

November 18, 2009, AP

Study of Harlem Children's Zone Finds Gaps Closing

But study does not say whether improved performance is from schools alone, or from schools and wrap-around services. November 17, 2009

N.J. Governor-Elect's Education Agenda Eyed

The Republican's support for charters and vouchers draws praise, though some worry other pledges may affect school funding. November 17, 2009

News Briefs

Education Dept. Contract to Launch Resource Center on Charter Schools

The U.S. Department of Education has awarded a five-year contract to Learning Point Associates to conduct research and create a National Charter School Resource Center. October 27, 2009

Data on Schools

Charter schools accounted for only 4 percent of the nation's 98,916 public schools, according to a new federal statistical analysis. October 20, 2009

Ohio Charters

A new study by an Ohio think tank suggests that pupils in the state's magnet and charter schools start kindergarten with stronger academic skills than their public school peers. October 20, 2009

N.C. Charter Schools Sue for Access to State, Local Capital Funding

North Carolina charter schools want a court to force counties and school districts to consider their requests for the same funds that regular public schools receive for buildings, new buses, and equipment. September 29, 2009

Minneapolis Board Approves Plan to Cut Citywide Choice System

In response to years of falling enrollment and multimillion-dollar budget deficits, the Minneapolis school board has approved a downsizing plan that will close four schools and reduce busing. September 29, 2009

Massachusetts Charter School Announces Contract With Teachers

The first teachers’ union contract approved for one of Massachusetts’ 57 charter schools that operate outside a local public school district will allow performance-based teacher pay and a longer school day. September 22, 2009

More News Briefs

Judge Tells Chicago to Let Students Transfer

November 16, 2009, AP

Investigation: Ariz. Tuition Aid Not Just for Needy

November 16, 2009, AP

Study of Harlem Children's Zone Finds Gaps Closing

It’s not clear whether the gains are driven by the initiative’s charter schools alone, or in combination with wraparound services it provides for families. November 12, 2009

N.J. Governor-Elect's Education Agenda Eyed

The Republican’s support for charters and vouchers draws praise, though some say his pledge to cut taxes and spending could hurt school funding. November 12, 2009

N.J. Gov.-Elect Renews Pledge to Improve Education

November 4, 2009, AP

N.J. Candidates Differ on Urban Education Solutions

October 30, 2009, AP

L.A. Gives Parents 'Trigger' to Restructure Schools

New rules will give parents of children in low-performing schools the power to open up targeted schools for outside management. Updated: October 30, 2009

Imagine Schools' View of Charter Boards Draws Fire

October 26, 2009, AP

La. Board Considers More Charter School Applications

October 26, 2009, AP

Commentary

Charter-Management Organizations: Expansion, Survival, and Impact

October 23, 2009

Commentary

Charter-Management Organizations: More Pluses Than Minuses

October 23, 2009

Lawmaker Proposes More Michigan Charter Schools

October 22, 2009, AP