A Few Reasons to Start a Charter School in Your Neighborhood As published on Hollinger International Website

Charter schools are independent public schools that are free to offer innovative educational programs and services. Whereas traditional public schools are obliged to teach their district's curriculum, charter schools may design and deliver unique programs and services. They can focus on delivering high quality educational programs based on unique missions. Their ability to offer innovative educational programs and services is one of their greatest advantages. It is probably fair to say that innovation is conspicuous by its absence in traditional public schools. Charters, to the contrary, are frequently highly innovative and offer a wide range of educational programs. Given their flexibility, they have the capacity to transform education throughout the country. In fact, they already are in many states.

As we know, teachers are education's greatest asset and potentially its greatest liability. Charters have considerable freedom to hire and fire their teachers. To the contrary, many traditional public schools are burdened with incompetent, tenured teachers. Imagine if you were obliged to keep an inept heart surgeon on staff! The ability to retain or part ways with teachers based upon performance is one of the greatest advantages of charters.

Charter schools are also free of the crippling bureaucracy of large institutions. They can operate with the efficiency of a business and reduce or eliminate hurdles posed by the larger size of traditional school bureaucracies. This allows for more creative control over all aspects of school operations, which increases the likelihood of innovation and efficiency. Despite all the freedom, schools with a charter to serve the public are accountable. They must abide by the tenets outlined in their charter contract between the school and the chartering authority, which states projected student achievement outcomes as well as penalties for failing to make these gains. If the charter school fails to measure up, parents can "vote with their feet" or the school can lose its charter altogether.

Charter schools are publicly funded, tuition free and nonsectarian. If they are delivering an excellent education, they will have long waiting list. Many parents are highly dissatisfied with their local public school and often have no alternative unless a charter school is available. Charter schools offering an excellent, free education are in high demand throughout the country. Public charter schools are improving education and achievement for millions of students in the United States and other countries. One can find many success stories of increased student achievement in the media and in research articles. Reports from across the nation confirm positive trends in academic achievement. As the movement continues to grow and more resources become available, charter schools will likely play a major role in improving education.

J Daniel Hollinger, PhD, is an experienced school consultant and President of Hollinger International, an international education management consulting firm serving international, private, independent and charter schools, nonprofit organizations and education companies. Hollinger International provides tailored, strategic assistance to establish new schools, improve education and strengthen leadership. Hollinger International's school startup services include feasibility studies, business planning, strategic planning, curriculum development and head searches. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=J_Daniel_Hollinger