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Latest Charter School Laws Scorecard Released
CER Press Release
Washington D.C.
January 14,2003
Analysis paves the way for new regulative action
The Center for Education Reform (CER) today released its semi-annual ranking and profile of the nation's 40 charter school laws, which will be useful to new policy makers seeking to enact or modify laws. In addition to changes in 11 states, 2002 also marked the debut of two new laws from Tennessee and Iowa; although neither show great promise, Tennessee ranks only a "C minus" and Iowa places right above Mississippi with an "F."
The number of states with strong laws (As & Bs) remains the same at 20, with no new states joining their ranks. Strong laws are those that foster the development of numerous, genuinely independent charter schools that serve a wide array of children. Weak laws provide little chance for the growth of charters outside existing educational structures.
Regulatory fever was the prevailing condition in states in 2002. Legislative bodies, school boards, state boards, and state departments of education fueled efforts and succeeded in some cases, to add burdensome regulations that can undermine a charter school's success.
On a brighter note, over half the winners from November's elections consider charter schools effective alternatives to traditional public schools. A new crop of reform-minded legislators and Governors are likely to introduce changes to weak laws. (For more, check out Election Results 2002: Analysis of States' Governor and Education Superintendent Race Results.)
This analysis provides a guidepost to what kind of charter activity is likely to occur under certain legislative conditions. While by no means definitive, it provides a useful yardstick against which to measure and fashion forthcoming legislation and amendments. A state trying to create a healthy supply of charter schools will know to steer clear of the roadblocks put in place by states on the weaker side of the continuum.
This document is intended to both serve as a guide to those evaluating their own existing charter laws against other states' for the first time, or revisiting them with an eye toward making potential amendments. It is also a primer to help charter proponents in the remaining 11 states work to get it right the first time.
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Click here for overview of the process and results and scoring details and ranking chart. Charter School Laws Across the States is available for $39.95 (plus S&H) by calling the Center at (202) 822-9000.# # #
The Center for Education Reform (CER) is a national voice for more choices in education and more rigor in education programs, both of which are key to more effective schooling. It delivers practical, research-based information and assistance to engage a diverse lay audience ˜ including parents, policymakers, and education reform groups ˜ in taking actions to ensure that US schools are delivering a high quality education for all children in grades K-12. For more information contact CER at 202-822-9000 or send us an email.
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