What are charter schools?

In response to reading our blog for the first time, a Maine school superintendent wrote with the very kinds of questions I think need to be part of the larger debate.

"I am very intrigued by the discussion of charter schools and would like to learn more about the 'real deal,' when it comes to these schools. Are they producing a better product, do they siphon off moneys that could bolster public schools, are they designed for tailor made audiences, how is tuition handled (do the charter schools take the same amount of per pupil money as allocated to public schools), do they accommodate special needs, what are the two major disadvantages/worries, and the two real advantages?"

I'm going to attempt to answer those questions one at a time over the next couple days...the 'real deal' is that done well, charter schools are fully public schools that, rather than drain resources from public schools, ARE public schools that help communities serve more kids well...but, as you'll see, that's easier said than done.

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