A r c h i v e d  I n f o r m a t i o n

Students

At the heart of public schooling is the principle that schools will serve all students regardless of race or ethnicity. All charter school statutes reflect this value, and many states go farther by specifically addressing equity concerns in their legislation. A number of states, for example, require that a percentage of charter schools serve at-risk or other special populations. Other states give preference to charter school applications that serve at-risk populations. Texas and Nevada set a limit on the number of "mainstream" charter schools, but do not limit the number of at-risk charter schools allowed by law.

In spite of these statutory requirements, absolute equity has not been achieved. In states where charter school legislation is at least two years old, most schools have student waiting lists. Lotteries are the most widely used method for selecting students because they are perceived as fair and equitable. Some states, however, give preference to "founding families" (parents who spent many hours organizing the charter application) or to siblings of students already enrolled in the charter school. Such preferential treatment, no matter how reasonable or well-intended, is seen by some as inappropriate in a public school system.

Considerations:

Populations Served

An early concern about charter schools was that these schools eventually would lure the best and brightest students away from existing public schools. Emerging research shows, however, that charter schools are serving a diverse student population, although questions remain about how to maintain this balance.

Several options exist to promote equity in student admissions. First and foremost, states can prohibit charter schools from setting their own student admission requirements. Many states require that a certain percentage or absolute number of at-risk students be admitted to charter schools. A number of states urge sponsors to give preference to charter applications that propose to serve at-risk students or students from specific geographic locations, such as urban or rural schools. Still other states require the charter school’s population reflect the demographics of the district in which it is located or with which it is affiliated.

Consider the following options:

1. Charter schools should serve all students.

• Students should have equal access to all public schools.

2. Charter schools should serve all students with a special focus on specific populations (at-risk, learning-challenged students and so on).

• Flexibility allows charter schools to tailor curriculum and instruction to best serve the needs of special populations.

Number of Schools and Students (Legislative Caps)

An important decision for policymakers is whether or not to establish legislative caps: statutory limits on the number of charter schools in the state or given district or on the number of students served by these schools. Charter school advocates argue that caps reduce the opportunities for innovation. Opponents believe charter schools are risky and should be limited in number and monitored closely.

Consider the following options concerning legislative caps:

1. Do not impose legislative caps.

• Market forces ultimately will determine the appropriate number of charter schools the state can sustain.

3. Limit the number of charter schools in the state.

• The number of charter schools should be limited because of lack of evidence that they are successful in raising student academic achievement.

3. Limit the number of charter schools by district.

• This encourages a more equitable distribution statewide.

4. Limit the total number of students.

• Allowing districts or the state to determine charter school size should be enough to stimulate innovation.

[Charter School Basics]

[Sponsorship (Chartering Authority and Charter Organizers)]

This page was last updated January 9, 2002 (jca)