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Charter schools are nonsectarian public schools of
choice that operate with freedom from many of the regulations
that apply to traditional public schools. The "charter" establishing
each such school is a performance contract detailing
the school's mission, program, goals, students served,
methods of assessment, and ways to measure success.
The length of time for which charters are granted
varies, but most are granted for 4-5 years. At the
end of the term, the entity granting the charter may
renew the school's contract. Charter schools are accountable
to their sponsor-- usually a state or local school
board-- to produce positive academic results and
adhere to the charter contract.
The basic concept of
charter schools is that they exercise increased autonomy
in return for this accountability. They are accountable
for both academic results and fiscal practices
to several groups: the sponsor that grants them, the
parents who choose them, and the public that funds
them.
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