Charter schools have smaller classes, higher test scores — but what are the drawbacks? - Lodi News-Sentinel: News

Charter schools have smaller classes, higher test scores — but what are the drawbacks? - Lodi News-Sentinel: News:

Charter schools have smaller classes, higher test scores — but what are the drawbacks?

By Jennifer Bonnett/News-Sentinel Staff Writer | 0 comments

This spring, hundreds of students' names will go into a bucket. They are from families seeking one of 66 spots available at Aspire's Vincent Shalvey Academy, housed in a former Sibbs grocery store in Morada.

At Shalvey, the competition for enrollment is keen, test scores are high, and parents are generally engaged and satisfied.

Shalvey is just one example of a dramatic trend in education: the rise of the charters.

In Lodi Unified School District, there are now five charters with 1,800 students enrolled. In 1992, there were none. Charter schools are rising steadily, drawing praise — and stirring controversy. Some hail charters as prototypes of the future, where teachers can innovate faster and better, and students excel

Information about charter schools

Charter schools are typically founded and organized by teachers, parents, community groups or nonprofits. Their operation must be granted by a school district, county office of education or the state, and renewed every three to five years.

They are still public schools, and receive both state and federal funding. Often, charters receive less public money because they do not have the same access to local parcel taxes and bonds, and they often pay to rent facilities out of their own operating funds.

They cannot charge tuition.

Students participate in annual state testing and employ credentialed teachers. However, most hire and review their own teachers using a different rubric, and most are not members of the local teachers' union.

Charter schools are exempt from most laws that apply to public schools. For example, many set rules that require parents donate time to staff field trips and other extra-curricular activities.

While districts serve pre-set attendance areas, charter schools can draw from throughout the state.

There are currently five operating charters within Lodi Unified School District, including Aspire's Vincent Shalvey Academy, Benjamin Holt Preparatory Academy, River Oaks Elementary, Joe Serna Jr. Charter School and Rio Valley Charter School.

— Jennifer Bonnett

California charter schools by the numbers

1992 was the year California passed legislation creating charter schools.

412,000 students currently attend a charter.

100 new schools opened their doors this school year.

6 are located in San Joaquin County.

5 currently operate in Lodi Unified School District, including Rio Valley Charter, which reaches out to home-school families and independent learners.

1 was proposed in Galt three years ago, but never received support from the Galt Joint Union High School District.

— Jennifer Bonnett