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Charter Schools{{/B}} American public education has changed in recent years. One change is that increasing numbers of American parents and teachers are starting independent public schools called charter schools. In 1991, there were {{U}}(51) {{/U}} charter schools in the United States. Today, more than 2,300 charter schools {{U}}(52) {{/U}} in 34 states and the District of Columbia2. 575,000 students {{U}}(53) {{/U}} these schools. The students are from 5 years {{U}}(54) {{/U}} age through 18 or older. A charter school is created by groups of parents, teachers and community members. It is similar {{U}}(55) {{/U}} some ways to a traditional public school. It receives tax money to operate just as {{U}}(56) {{/U}} public schools do. The amount it receives depends {{U}}(57) {{/U}} the number of students. The charter school must prove {{U}}(58) {{/U}} local or state governments that its students are learning. These governments provide the school {{U}}(59) {{/U}} the agreement, or charter that permits it to operate. Unlike a traditional public school, {{U}}(60) {{/U}}, the charter school does not have to obey most laws governing public schools. Local, state or federal governments cannot tell it what to teach. Each school can choose its own goals and decide the ways it wants to {{U}}(61) {{/U}} those goals. Class sizes usually are smaller than in many traditional public schools. Many students and parents say teachers in charter schools can be more creative. However, state education agencies3, local education-governing committees and unions often {{U}}(62) {{/U}} charter schools. They say these schools may receive money badly needed by traditional public schools. Experts say some charter schools are doing well while others are struggling. Congress provided 200 million dollars for establishing charter schools in the 2002 federal budget. {{U}}(63) {{/U}}, often the schools say they lack enough money for their programs. Many also lack needed space. {{U}} (64) {{/U}}, many of the 36 charter schools in the District of Columbia hold classes in crowded buildings. These schools have almost 11,000 students. District officials say they have provided 14 former school buildings {{U}}(65) {{/U}} charter education. Yet, charter-school supporters say officials should try harder to find more space. |