ABSTRACT
Charter schools are a type of public school but are overseen by their own independent boards. In exchange for increased accountability, the schools are typically freed from many of the regulatory restrictions found in traditional public schools. “The ‘charter’ establishing each school is a performance contract detailing the schools’ mission, goals, program, students served, methods of assessment, and ways to measure success” (National Charter School Resource Center, n.d.). Most charters are granted for a three- to five-year period and must be renewed at the end of each contract period. The charters are granted to the school by a sponsor—usually a state or local school board. Charter school leaders are ultimately accountable for the academic results and financial management of the school.
