Allen

Even with more than 40 states authorizing charter schools now, the process is still an experiment of sorts – and one that some advocates say has a dramatic impact on a school’s success.

Look what happens when a charter school seems to fail, said Jeanne Allen, president of The Center for Education Reform.

Critics sound the alarm and lawmakers rush in to “meddle’’ with charter school design and accountability, Allen said this week during a panel discussion at the Excellence In Action National Summit in Washington, D.C. Pretty soon, the school that’s supposed to operate without being bogged down in red tape like a traditional school ends up looking a lot like that school, Allen said.

Charter schools need more time to be innovative, she said.

They also need better accountability measurements and more funding if they are going to be successful, panel members said.

Their comments came a day before the National Association of Charter School Authorizers announced a campaign to set tougher standards for charter schools.

According to the association, about 900 to 1,300 charter schools nationwide are among the lowest 15 percent of academic performers in their states, judging by standardized test scores in reading and math. (more…)