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The Evaluation of Illinois
Charter Schools
Charter schools are public schools that operate under a contractual arrangement
with a chartering entity. The identities of these chartering entities
varies by charter school statute and can include a state agency,
local board of education, a university, or others. The chartering
contract frees schools from most traditional public school system rules
and regulations in exchange for increased accountability for student achievement
and other educational outcomes. Depending on the specific statutory
provisions, charter schools can be formed by a variety of individuals or
groups, including educators, parents, community members, for-profit and
nonprofit organizations, and institutions of higher education. A
charter is signed by its founding members and a chartering agency and details
what the school expects to accomplish during the term of the agreement.
Unlike traditional public schools, a charter school may be closed by its
chartering entity if it fails to meet the standards set forth in its charter.
Illinois' charter school law was approved by the General Assembly in
1996. The state's first charter school opened in Peoria during the
1996/97 academic year. During the 2001/02 academic year, 20 charter
schools will operate in Illinois.
This study was commissioned by the Illinois State Board of Education
(ISBE) to evaluate the charter initiative in Illinois. Begun during
the spring of 2000, the evaluation will continue until December 2002.
Project deliverables include a first- and second-year annual report and
a final report. |