During the last few decades, charter schools have become increasingly relevant to the conversation about education in the United States and how it should function. This trend is because charter schools emerged as an alternative to the nation’s traditional public vs. private school dichotomy. The education publication Education Week defines a charter school as “a tuition-free school of choice that is publicly funded but independently run.”
Within that definition lies a maze of practical differences and moving parts that distinguish charter schools. Charter schools must begin by submitting to an approval process from a “government-approved authorizing agency such as a school district or a university,” as the Brookings Institution (Brookings) explains. If approved, the school enters into a contract, or “charter,” with a state agency, university or school district, depending on the state. The idea is for district leaders, such as superintendents, to gain greater autonomy in exchange for greater accountability, such as school closure if schools do not fulfill the terms of their charter.
Whether or not charter schools are truly a “public” alternative to the traditional public model has fueled a long and ongoing debate. While charter schools differ from traditional public schools in several ways, one major similarity is that they receive a certain amount of public funding. That requires a certain degree of accountability. Education Week says this can conflict with charter schools’ desire for independence: “While charter schools’ independence can be a source of their appeal, it can also lead to problems, ranging from financial mismanagement to nepotism.”
Knowing the Educational Landscape
The conversation around charter schools does not offer simple answers, but it’s a reality that superintendents face in school districts nationwide every day. Superintendents need to understand the different layers and mechanics of funding their school districts, including allocations for charter schools. As public funding for education becomes more precious, charter schools are critical to serving the needs of any school district and its communities.
This is particularly true for district superintendents in cities. Of the overall percentage of charter schools in the U.S., a much larger share operates in cities than traditional public schools (57% vs. 25% of overall charter schools), according to Brookings. That makes superintendents of these districts more likely to encounter charter efforts.
One potential benefit of charter schools is their ability to specialize their curriculum and try different approaches. That means schools can focus their educational environment on theater or other arts, more STEM-focused subjects and so on.
How beneficial all of this is, as Brookings points out, remains not just a matter of public debate but challenging to measure on a one-to-one level, given the different contexts under which traditional public and charter schools operate. Creating an effective methodology for measuring success is also problematic.
However, as the article argues, what is most important is whether or not charter schools and the district’s policies surrounding them are benefiting everyone in the school community: “We care about a much broader set of outcomes, including how charter schools affect racial segregation, to what extent they create options for disadvantaged families, and whether they are truly producing innovative school models.”
This impact is where the local expertise of district superintendents is paramount. Their awareness of community needs and dynamics gives them a unique grasp on how to best interpret data and make informed decisions.
Become an Effective School District Leader With an Ed.S. – Superintendent Degree
The online Educational Specialist – Superintendent program from Northwest Missouri State University prepares educators to effectively lead school districts in various administrative roles. Graduates learn how to cultivate and sustain successful relationships with all members of a school community to advance the priorities of its students and their families. Coursework includes School Finance and The Superintendency, which examine the core competencies of being a responsive, accommodating school district leader. Relevant fieldwork is also embedded in the curriculum, allowing students to gain relevant real-world experience.
Learn more about Northwest Missouri State University’s online Ed.S. – Superintendent program.
