Original charter school design rationale: alternative public schools enabling experimentation and innovation within the public school system¶

Theory · All theories
Evidence · 1 claim (1 for) · 1 study (1 theoretical), q2 · 0 of 1 report an effect size · 1 claim rests on one study

Description¶

The publication describes the founding conception of charter schools as publicly funded but deliberately different institutions. In its words, "Charter schools were originally designed to be alternative public schools that would allow for greater experimentation and innovation within the public school system." This design rationale frames the later debate about charters' relationship to the broader public system. The page uses this origin story as context for the Point/Counterpoint exchange on charter schools and the public interest.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• Charter schools operate as part of the public school system rather than outside it

Constraints¶

• The rationale describes the original design intent, not necessarily current practice

Target Learners¶

• students enrolled in U.S. public charter schools

Target Learning Objectives¶

• educational experimentation and innovation within public schooling

Claims¶

• Charter Sector Growth Over 7000 Schools Debate [+M]

Related Theories¶

Examples¶

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Key Sources¶

• Philip Gleason, Helen Ladd. (2019). Charter Schools and the Public Interest. Journal of Policy Analysis and Management, vol. 38, issue 4. https://www.mathematica.org/publications/charter-schools-and-the-public-interest