More than 400 inspiring, professional educators attended the fifth annual North Carolina Charter Schools’ Conference sponsored by the Department of Public Instruction in September. While the DPI and the State Board of Education claim to support the charter school concept, there is some question about whether that claim is lip service to the legislative mandate, or real commitment.
Charter schools do not include “failure“ in their vocabulary. They have demonstrated innovation, beaten the odds, and succeeded with struggling students. The best news is that charter schools are accountable — they succeed or they are closed!
Not so with traditional public schools, which can fail for years and face no threat of closure. With the implementation of the ABC’s, data on failing schools was revealed, and public ignorance about failing schools finally came to an end. Ignorance about the success and revolutionary possibilities of charter schools could mean that this reform will serve only a few lucky school lottery winners in North Carolina.
Nationally, the number of charter schools increased by 14 percent in 2002, and there are now about 2,700 charter schools in the nation. North Carolina’s charter school numbers are capped at 100. More than 16,000 students attend the schools, and many more are on waiting lists.
The law exists to ensure viability and compliance, but the cap limits the possibilities for success of the movement, and financial inequities between charters and other public schools add further difficulties. The charter cap reveals an “if we have to offer options” mentality.
The State Board established the Charter School Advisory Board to make recommendations for charters. This intermediate board evaluates applications and interviews potential charter school boards. Recommendation by the advisory board to the State Board is the only way to gain a charter.
But the trend in charter approval rates is disturbing. In 1997-’98, 57 percent of charter applications were approved. That percentage has been dropping almost yearly, and for the last threeyears has fallen to 31 percent, 27 percent, and 23 percent of applications, respectively. Ninety-five schools currently operate as charters. Since only five charter openings are left under the cap, the opportunity for innovation in North Carolina is dwindling.
Success stories in the state’s charter school movement are remarkable. Charters make up only 3.9 percent of all schools in the state, but include nine “schools of excellence,” eight “schools of distinction,” 21 “high growth” schools, 12 “expected growth” schools, six of the 25 “most improved” K-8 schools, and one of the 10 “most improved” high schools.
There are also 11 “low-performing” charter schools. This is not so surprising, considering that charter schools tend to attract students who are below grade level and considered “at risk,” those for whom the regular public schools have not worked. The fact that charters beat the odds, not only with difficult student situations, zero state funding for capital expenses, and 15 percent fewer dollars per pupil, makes their success all the more remarkable.
The General Assembly has the power to change the current situation. If the cap is not raised, the enthusiasm and innovation that charter schools bring will be stifled. The state’s lip service to family options must translate into action. The legislature should remove the cap, defer to the advisory board, and approve other chartering agencies. If they do not, it will be too late for thousands of families in North Carolina that remain on long waiting lists to get an opportunity for school choice.