Charter Schools Resource Kit Created by State Boards of Education Association

11/17/2003

From: David Griffith of NASBE, 703-684-4000

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Nov. 17 -- A comprehensive resource kit for state and local decision makers involved or interested in charter schools has been created by the National Association of State Boards of Education (NASBE).

The interactive CD includes the latest information on critical charter school policies related to: school goals, accountability, authorization and oversight, equity and access, funding, and emerging issues. In addition, the kit provides active Internet links to a treasure trove of research and information resources such as each state's charter school office and national evaluation studies of charter schools.

"The depth and breadth of charter school laws vary among states and this resource kit is intended to help policymakers at all levels and in all states grapple with how to promote the best aspects of charter schools in order to provide a high-quality education for every student, regardless of where or how they are being educated," said Brenda Welburn, NASBE executive director.

Charter schools, the once experimental but now mainstream reform strategy, were first established in Minnesota in 1991. Since then, forty states and the District of Columbia have enacted laws to establish charter schools. There are approximately 2,700 schools in operation nationwide. Charter schools are public schools but are exempt from some of the requirements imposed upon regular schools in exchange for meeting explicit student achievement goals.

The resource kit is the result of a yearlong examination of charter school laws and policies in the various states by a task force of state board of education members from across the country. The CD can be ordered for $12.50 by calling 800-220- 5183.

In September, NASBE's policy journal, the State Education Standard, devoted an entire issue to the progress of charter schools over the past decade, their current status, and their future prospects under the auspices of the No Child Left Behind Act. These articles, which are included on the CD, can also be viewed at http://www.nasbe.org/Standard/index.html.

NASBE, www.nasbe.org, represents America's state and territorial boards of education. Our principal objectives are to strengthen state leadership in education policymaking; advocate equality of access to educational opportunity; promote excellence in the education of all students; and assure responsible lay governance of education.