Charter Schools : Everything You Need to Know to Make the Right Decision for Your Child

by BIRKETT, FREDERICK A. EDM

• ISBN13: 9780761525165
• ISBN10: 0761525165
• Format: Trade Paper
• Copyright: 2000-09-01
• Publisher: Prima Lifestyles

Summary

Are you seeking an educational alternative because you are dissatisfied with your child's public school? Charter schoolspublic schools that operate independently of the regulations governing traditional schoolsare becoming increasingly popular with parents who are looking for a better education choice for their children. In fact, Congress recently appropriated $100 million to expand the number of charter schools to 3,000 by 2001. This informative book gives you everything you need to know about charter schoolsand tells you how they are redefining excellence in education. You'll be led through a step-by-step process that helps you determine whether the charter schools in your area are right for your child. You'll also discover: How a charter school can respond to your child's unique talents Differences between charter schools and public schools Increased learning opportunities stemming from innovative practices and curriculum focus And much more! "This clear, easy-to-read handbook will help every parent find a good fit between their child's needs and a charter school. A great guide!"Cathy Wooley-Brown, Ph.D., Coordinator, Florida charter schools "A must-read for all parents who want to advocate excellence and innovation in K12 education."John Nelsen, M.S. Ed., co-director of Oregon Charter School Service Center "An excellent resource! Every parent should ask these questions of their child's schoolcharter or otherwise."T. Richard Roberson, Jr., J.D., Mississippi Department of Education

Author Biography

<b>Frederick A. Birkett, Ed.M.,</b> a graduate of Harvard University, is the executive director of the Benjamin Banneker Charter School in Cambridge, Massachusetts. He also serves as a consultant for the New York State Charter School Resource Center, and lives with his family in Medford, Massachusetts.

Table of Contents

Introduction: Purpose and Plan of the Book	vii
What Is a Charter School?	1	(22)
Is This What Your Child Needs?	23	(20)
So You Might Want to Enroll Your Child?	43	(16)
What Are They Teaching the Kids?	59	(22)
How Are They Teaching the Kids?	81	(16)
How Do They Know the Kids Are Learning?	97	(10)
Who's in Charge Here?	107	(12)
Technology: Is It Curriculum or Instruction?	119	(6)
Think Twice About Safety, Discipline, and Special Needs	125	(14)
Don't Forget the Details: Transportation and Before- and After-School Programs	139	(8)
Maybe You'd Like to Start One of Your Own?	147	(16)
Appendix I Some Basic Facts and Figures	163	(12)
Appendix II For More Information: State Charter Granting Agencies, Web Sites, and Publications	175	(14)
Appendix III Complete List of Existing and Newly Approved Charter Schools	189	(36)
Bibliography	225	(2)
Index	227	(10)
About the Author	237