Reply #31: actually most charters ARE required to take the same [View All]

"standardized tests" as the other public schools in their area. A lot, however, depends on how the state has written the charter regulations. I know my son and my friends children all take the same WCKE or EOG or whatever whichever state you're in calls it.

Charters ARE "held accountable" to the same EDUCATIONAL STANDARDS, they just have more freedom in their choice of curriculum, methodology, etc... In a lot of ways, charters are MORE accountable in that if they fail, they get closed pretty quickly. If they're not "meeting the needs" kids don't go, and they close because of lack of attendence.

I really wish traditional public schools would avail themselves of the opportunities that charters make for themselves. Often, it is the bureaucracy and red-tape of traditional schools that inhibit innovation and growth. That prevent the flexibility necessary to meet the needs of the varied. That's one reasons charters even got started was in order to "try the things" that governments (city,, county, etc.) wouldn't/couldn't allow.


Did you know that sometimes "clear-cutting" is necessary to promote new growth instead of a stagnant dead forest that just waiting for a forest fire? Managed growth is a good thing.