| There have been many instances over the past 20 | | | | Schools regulations such as curriculum development, |
| years or so where people have been so unhappy | | | | staffing, and budget. There are 6 reasons why |
| about the schools that they have decided to step up | | | | numbering charter schools among the options for |
| and do something about it. In response to this | | | | families with children attending New York City Schools |
| discontent, charter schools have been formed. For | | | | is a good idea. Charter schools have unique |
| many New York City Schools families, charters | | | | educational goals that are innovative and desirable: - |
| appear to be the way to go. Virtually anyone | | | | Charter schools within the districts of New York City |
| concerned with the state of New York City Schools | | | | Schools are responsible for increasing the learning |
| can open a charter school. Parents, teachers, principals | | | | opportunities and achievement of all students, most |
| (whether they are from public New York City Schools | | | | especially high-risk students - ones in danger of |
| or private ones), community leaders, philanthropists and | | | | dropping out or who have a low reading ability, for |
| nonprofit organizations are all examples of the types | | | | example. - These special New York City Schools also |
| of folks who open charter schools in response to a | | | | encourage the use of different and innovative teaching |
| perceived lack in quality public education. But what is a | | | | methods. Within the confines of the traditional public |
| charter school, anyway? Most people have heard | | | | school classroom, teachers have fewer options with |
| about them, but are unclear or confused as to what | | | | how they go about their jobs. Simple issues such as |
| they are, exactly. Charter schools are created by a | | | | class size or available resources can considerably tie |
| contract (or "charter") with the New York City Schools | | | | their hands. - Charter schools obviously provide a |
| system. They are held to the same standards as | | | | greater amount of choice for parents and students of |
| more traditional public schools, but operate with a | | | | New York City Schools. - Also, charter schools can |
| greater autonomy than regular schools within the | | | | provide motivated educators with the means to |
| system. The purpose of the charter school is to offer | | | | pursue their beliefs and ideas. New York City Schools |
| new resources, personnel and ideas to education, as | | | | strive to offer its students the best possible education, |
| well as to give the families of New York City Public | | | | and the choice of attending a charter school is one |
| Schools a greater choice. Charter schools are under | | | | way to do so. Charter schools can offer their children |
| the umbrella of the New York City Schools district, and | | | | a wider variety of opportunities. |
| are held directly accountable for meeting specific | | | | Patricia Hawke is a staff writer for Schools K-12, |
| student performance goals. If the charter school fails | | | | providing free, in-depth reports on all U.S. public and |
| to meet these criteria, their charter can be revoked or | | | | private K-12 schools. For more information please visit |
| not renewed. In return for these higher standards, | | | | New York City Public Schools. |
| these schools are exempt from New York City | | | | |