Listserv Charter Schools

The listserv I chose to follow for three weeks (2/7 to 3/3) was on Charter Schools (Charterschools@listserv.syr.edu). It was one of four that I subscribed to, but was by far the most active and interesting. Over the course of three weeks, about 150 messages were listed. A few topics were most commonly addressed. These topics were: updates from many states on the status of charter school legislation within their states; distance learning; conference costs; and questions from many educators looking to start or research charter schools.

Noah Salzman was a frequent contributor with information on the California Initiative. The Charter group in CA is hoping to be on the ballot in Nov. 98. Charter schools have been possible for five years and many are facing renewal. The CA Initiative is looking to remove the cap of only 100 schools; eliminate the need for petitions for charter schools to be signed by fifty percent of the local teachers; limit the conditions for local districts to deny charter school petitions; strengthen the appeal process; and provide a better foundation for funding schools. It is also looking to add the following requirements as 'costs' for the charter schools: higher academic performance within a 3 year time span; more restrictions on required credentials than law requires now; more restrictive on home study, independent learning and distance learning. Mr. Salzman was often a respondent to postings from other states, offering his advice and help where needed. He feels strongly that the CA Initiative needs to pass or charter schools will become a forgotten reform nationwide. (For years I have always heard that whatever happens in CA will eventually reach us in CT -- I guess the educators in CA believe it too!!)

In Colorado the House has passed three charter bills. One dealt with the funding of schools, one with the types of approved schools, and the topic of the third bill was not given. I found it interesting that the four types of approved schools are: Laboratory (no further definition), Gifted - Talented, Advanced Vo-Tech, and At-Risk. The only definition given was for the At-Risk being for students qualifying for free lunch. All three bills were opposed by the CO PTA, the CO Association of School Executives, and the CEA. Votes in the Senate were scheduled for April or May, so I do not know the status of the bills.

Revisions to charter school bills in Wisconsin are also facing major opposition from the state union (NEA affiliate). The major objection appears to be the bill passed by the House that would allow for charter schools to form separately from school districts and to hire staff not currently within surrounding districts. This bill was going to the Senate in the spring.

Michigan has been facing charter revisions promoted by non-educators. The charter schools there are judged by more standards than the public schools and are held accountable to multiple groups.

Utah recently passed a charter school bill that creates a three year pilot program with a cap of eight schools. A $500,000 appropriation for each charter school is authorized. The bill allows for full state funding, but only half of the district's per-pupil contribution. The State Bd. of Ed. is the sponsor, with locals boards making recommendations on applicants.

Pennsylvania has approved 24 new charter schools for next year. Six are already in operation. Philadelphia will open eleven and if all goes as planned, 1.5% of the city's public school students will be in charter schools. Regions apart from cities are citing fiscal impact as a reason for denial.

One of the final listings before I discontinued service gave some updated numbers for the nation. Currently there are 784 charter schools operating in 23 states. An additional 143 schools are scheduled to open with 241 applications still under consideration. A full state-by-state breakdown is available at http://edreform/pubs/chglance.htm. Another site for any state information is http://www.ncsl.org.

An NYU graduate student seeking information on any charter schools using online and distance learning brought six responses within two days. The first response was from a Harvard graduate student who was unaware of any such charters, but asked for any information gained to be shared with him. A University of Illinois professor suggested that the student check the program NovaNet since several schools include it as part of their computer curriculums. Another suggested that CA and Alaska lead the list for any virtual schools. Websites were given for two such schools (in Perry, CA -- www.choice2000.org/main.htm and in Bakersfield, Ca www.clc.kosos.k12.ca.us). The Center for Educational Reform replied that CA has 16 charter schools dealing with online and distance learning and offered their website for more information (http://edreform.com). Arizona has two charters providing computer based learning -- the AZ Career Academy and the IntelliSchool in Mesa. Lastly, a technology consultant in NH wrote that he was designing a virtual campus and cyberschools for a rural school district in that state. He suggested that the researchers (above) get a copy of Peterson's guide to Distance Learning or go to the Global Network Academy to see what colleges and universities are offering to enrich charter schools with distance learning curriculum.

For a few days a hot topic was the cost of attending conferences on Charter Schools. One writer's contention was that charter schools had little to no money to send people to conferences, but that conferences were very necessary to all in this field. Suggestions varied from finding corporate sponsors to underwrite costs, telecommunication use for broadcasting conferences, and charging more to those who could afford it -- so that there could be 'scholarships' for those who could not. This topic ended quickly since there was no obvious short term answer.

Frequently the listserv was used by people to find answers to problems they were encountering or for information seekers (often students in graduate courses). Several debates surrounded vouchers and the effect they might have on charter schools. One writer just viewed vouchers as a "ticket to pay" while another felt that the threat of vouchers would cause dramatic changes in education. One person repeatedly asked for information on community developed corporations (CDCs) and their relationship to charter schools. He never did receive a response. Often requests would bring a reference to where to find an answer; e.g., a writer wanted information on any charter schools dealing with students at risk -- specifically low income students. Two school names were given (Harriet Tubman Charter School in San Diego and Urban Waldorf Public School in Milwaukee, WS) as well as a website (http://www.landfallprods.com) for further information.

I enjoyed my experience exploring a listserv. I was not aware of this source of information before and will keep the basic address given to find listservs on educational issues. I did find the volume of correspondence generated by this topic to be overwhelming at times. I will probably visit the website that gives state updates on charter school information just to have a follow-up to my three week experience.