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MINNESOTA
Charter School Provides Islamic Culture
Islamic charter school Tarek ibn Academy, had over 700 applicants for the 215 spots in its second year of operation. The kindergarten through fifth grade school gives the Muslim students a sense of belonging through the study of their heritage and culture. "We were quite shocked when we opened our doors, the demand we tapped into," said executive director Asad Zaman, also the school's principal. "It was clear to us that there was a need. Our kids were not being served at other schools." The Academy, sponsored by Islamic Relief, is publicly funded and charges no tuition. Unlike many charter schools, Tarek showed no financial irregularities in its 2003 audit. The academy does face academic challenges as the school did not meet state standards in reading and math. However, the school did make great strides with many of the students making up more than one grade level. Tarek offers a student body which is largely financially disadvantaged, a comfortable setting in which they can take pride in their Muslim culture and customs. Grand Forks Herald (December 5, 2004).

Money Problems Close Military-Style Charter School
Threatened with closure by the Minnesota Education Department (MED), the board of The Col. Charles Young Military Academy decided to close its doors today. Mary Ann Nelson, assistant education commissioner said, "There is not enough money to run the school." The school, only open for two months, is already over $200,000 in debt. The MED has been concerned about the academy for weeks, said Nelson, and "learned this week that the charter school has exhausted all state resources and has no other known source of funding." Parents have concerns over their children’s future education and welfare and teachers have concerns over their salaries and benefits. Director My Lai Tenner, who has been at the center of the controversy, blames a high percentage of special needs’ students and a declining enrollment for the financial problems. Steve Dess, executive director of the Minnesota Association of Charter Schools, who had been working with the school, attributes part of the problem to the schools decreased enrollment as state funding is dependent on this figure. Star Tribune [free registration] (November 1, 2004).

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MISSOURI
Same-Sex Pilot Program a Success
The University Academy, which began a pilot single-sex program with sixth graders two years ago, is considering expanding the concept to other grade levels. Teachers say “the biggest difference with the single-sex classrooms is discipline…you can actually teach.” Grades are better, but no standardized testing has been done to determine an improvement in scores. TheKansasCityChannel.com (November 22, 2004).

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NEW MEXICO
APS Proposes Leasing Facilities to Charter Schools
Albuquerque Public Schools (APS) is proposing to lease classroom space in district schools with low enrollment to existing charter schools. Many charter schools are currently occupying vacated churches, offices, and warehouses, buildings inadequate for that purpose. These leasing agreements would overcome a common obstacle of all charter schools, that of finding adequate facilities. Both charter school and APS district administrators see the proposal as a win-win for the district and charter schools. While solving the facility issue for charter schools, the district could avoid unpopular decisions to close low enrollment schools in low income areas. The additional revenues from the leasing agreements would also ease the budget cuts for the next school year. Albuquerque Journal (November 10, 2004).

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NEW YORK
Noble Street A Possible Model for Charter Schools
New York City educator, Carla Theodorou of Replications Inc, supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, is making a detailed study of the Noble Street Charter High School in hopes of replicating it in the Big Apple. It is unusual for charter school philosophies and educational methods to cross state lines. Theodorou will be the principal for the New York City school.Washington Times (December 3, 2004).

Charter School Application Opposed
A proposed application for the International Leadership Charter School will be challenged at the Corning-Painted Post School District board meeting tonight. Superintendent Judith P. Staples claims “the creation of the charter school would have a negative financial impact on the C-PP district.” Staples further stated that the financial shortfall would increase property taxes. Mee Jo, who has applied for the application said parents should have a choice when they are dissatisfied with their child’s education and that the district will not lose money with less students. The funding follows the child for the purpose of educating the child, with the charter school receiving 60-80% of what the public school district would. Jo, who will not attend the meeting said, "It’s not a time to fight…I’ll just move forward with the project." The New York Board of Education is expected to rule on the matter in December. The Leader (November 3, 2004).

Panel Urged to Raise Cap on Charter Schools
A state appointed panel created to rectify the historic under-funding of the New York City’s schools was urged by lawyers to raise the cap on new charter schools above the current limit of 20. "Charter schools offer a tremendous alternative for parents, for schools that are failing," said Corporation Counsel Michael Cardozo. He believes that the city's ability to provide high quality education is directly related to its freedom to create charter schools. City chancellor Joe Klein, hopes to open as many as 50 charter schools. New York Daily News (November 2, 2004).

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OREGON
Charter Schools Offer Alternative to Tribes
At the Nixyaawii Charter School on the Umatilla Indian Reservation there are no teachers, just a group of teenage students discussing appropriate school etiquette and the day’s lessons; some are relearning basic educational skills. The group provides the only educational option this reservation has to offer. The tribes see charter schools as offering opportunities for students who have dropped out of the traditional public schools. The schools, who receive $350,000 from the U. S. Department of Education, encourage experimentation in education as they are not regulated by local or state governments. Currently there are at least 30 Native American charter schools, with Arizona, at 12, having the most. Educational results are mixed; some have had financial concerns and have had difficulty meeting federal requirements, while others, such as the All Tribes American Indian Charter in the San Diego area, have shown large gains in student performance. Despite the few schools in trouble, many more charter schools are in the planning stages. Desert Sun (December 11, 2004). See also Canku Ota (December 29, 2001).

Estacada Community Group Applies for Charter School
The Estacada Academy for Educational Excellence, having received a $25,000 planning grant from the Oregon Department of Education, has requested permission from the Estacada School District to open the district’s first charter school. The charter school would base its reading curriculum on Direct Instruction, a systematic and controversial approach, started by Charles Arthur, in 2002. The Estacada Arthur Academy Neighborhood Public School would join three other schools in the area using the method. Rob Kremer, co-founder of the Arthur Academy Schools said, “Our intent is to have every child reading by the end of kindergarten.” He stressed that the school has a regional draw, attracting students currently not in the public school system, such as those attending private schools and those being home schooled. School board chairman David Bugni said a decision would be made following further research of the application. The Oregonian (November 2, 2004).

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PENNSYLVANIA
Propel-Homestead Charter School is First of Federation to Open
Propel-Homestead with 304 students in kindergarten through sixth grade, is the first of seven schools in a local nonprofit chain of charter schools. This is unusual for charter schools nationwide as most are grass root schools providing a specific curriculum for a targeted student population. Three other schools are planned next year, said Jeremy Resnick , founder and director of Propel. Propel charters have all been obtained through appeals to the state Charter School Appeal Board. The Propel Federation has strong administrative backing as well private and foundation grants of $2.3 million. Propel does not own any of its facilities, "If we owned the real estate, then so much of all of our focus is off the main goal, which is helping children and educating them…” said Mary Jo Needham, director of operations for all Propel schools. Other unique aspects of the Propel federation are the cross-curriculum, the smaller class size, a longer school day and year, and teacher certification and salaries. The school, whose student base is low income and minorities, does not after just a year of operation, have an academic score card. However, with the private and public investment and frequent visitors, the school must remain accountable for high expectations. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (December 7, 2004).

Charter School Movement at a Standstill
"Seven new charter schools opened in Pennsylvania this year, the fewest since 1997.” Charter school proponents feel, despite strong parental support, the process faces many challenges-opposition from public school boards, difficulty in the application process, and financial and technical support. The drop in the Philadelphia applications is due largely to the state reducing the number it approves because half of the state’s 109 charter schools are in the city. Others feel the law requiring approval from local school boards needs to be amended. There has been an increase in cyber charters as they are not required to obtain local school board approval. Some administrators suggest obstacles as facilities, staff retention, and lack of knowledge are reasons some applications are not successful. Tim Daniels, of the Pennsylvania Coalition of Charter Schools, blames the state Department of Education for changing the awarding of planning grants, requiring schools to have charter approval first and spreading grant payments over a year. Charter advocates say that the charter school movement is still strong. 41,000 students are enrolled in the state’s charter schools—more than any other state on the east coast. Burlington County Times (December 5, 2004).

Charter Schools Shines for U. S. Official’s Visit
The visit by Eugene W. Hickok, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State, to the Mathematics, Civics and Sciences Charter School was more meaningful, since Hickok had been the Secretary of State when Pennsylvania approved charter schools in 1997. Hickok spoke with students, stressing the importance of education, and said he would tell President Bush how impressed he was with them and their school. The successful school was the first school to receive funds from the Charter School Capital Access Program, whose parent fund finances neighborhood revitalization projects. The Charter School Fund, enhanced by a $ 6.4 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education, helps charter schools in buying properties and renovating or constructing facilities. Mathematics, Civics and Sciences used their loan to buy and renovate their occupied lease property. Hickok’s visit was an opportunity for him to see firsthand “how this grant has made a difference." The Philadelphia Inquirer (November 20, 2004). See also: "Charter Schools Delivering a Dream" (March 2004).

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RHODE ISLAND
Governor Urges Charter School Cap Removed
After visiting the Learning Community Charter School, Governor Carcieri urged the legislature to remove the cap on the number of charter schools allowed in each district and as well as lifting the one-year moratorium on new charters. Representative Paul W Crowley, chairman of the House Finance Subcommittee on Education says any changes to charter school law must be included in a comprehensive package on public school funding. "The good news is that Rhode Island's 11 charter schools are meeting their academic targets. There is no question they are getting the job done," said Carcieri. However, a recent controversial study by the American Federation of Teachers did not come to same conclusion, stating that the achievement of charter school students is below that of public school students. The Learning Community contracts with its primarily Hispanic parents to read with their students nightly and encourages their total involvement. Developing high esteem and leadership is the underlying mission of the school, started by co-directors Meg O’Leary and Sarah Friedman. ”The goal of this school is to produce curious, confident children who aren't afraid to speak their minds.”
Providence Journal (December 7, 2004).

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SOUTH CAROLINA
School Employees Receive Incentive Checks
James Island Charter High School after earning an excellent rating on its state report card and meeting all the objectives set by the No Child Left Behind Act, has rewarded teachers, office staff, and all other employees with a $1000 check each. The school, being a charter school, is in control of the district money it receives. The school board also plans to reward coaches for meeting certain team goals and to refund certain fees to parents for their involvement. One board member describes the incentive as "… a total school effort. It recognizes the whole school and all of the members within the walls." Charleston Post Courier (November 16, 2004).

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TEXAS
Effective Charter School Monitoring Requires Tougher Laws & More Staff
The Texas Education Agency (TEA), under criticism for its lax monitoring of charter schools, has acknowledged problems at several charter schools. The TEA said it “is limited in its ability to ensure charter schools effectively educate students or properly use state funds." The TEA cites the continuous monitoring of financial transactions and the allocation of resources as the only preventative. Officials said, "This type of intervention would require substantial field work, a major expansion of staff and a significant intrusion into daily charter school affairs." The Sunset Commission also found fault in the regulation of traditional school districts. The TEA once again blamed the cut in agency funding. Denton Record (December 3, 2004).

Charter School Students Score Below Counterparts on TAKS
A study detailed in the Dallas Morning News reported that 42 percent of the students in 235 charter schools who took the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) test had passing scores compared to nearly 67 percent of the students tested at traditional public schools. Charter school critics attribute these dismal results to the lack of state rules regarding class size and teacher certification. Conversely, charter school supporters say that additional time is required to demonstrate success with the predominantly at-risk populations who have enrolled in charter schools because their needs had not been met in their former placements. Longview News Journal (October 23, 2004).

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UTAH
Four Charter Schools Proposed to Board
The State Board of Education will hear proposals for four new charter schools in Utah County. Currently, parents who want their children to attend charter schools are faced with long waiting lists. If approved, the four schools would bring the number of charter schools to nine, and give parents a choice of curricula and learning methods. Existing schools work together to provide alternatives, if there is a long waiting list. Many are asking parents to reapply so they can start with a clear picture of students in the county who want to attend. Charter Schools like John Hancock, unlike the public schools, offer a foreign language and orchestra in the primary grades. Principal Julie Amadic hopes that students on John Hancock’s waiting list will find a spot in the new schools, “More schools means more choice for parents, and that is what we are all about.” The four proposed schools, if approved, would also offer alternatives to traditional middle and high schools. Daily Herald (November 28, 2004).

SUCCESS Charter School Focuses on Math and Science
Southern Utah Center for Computer, Engineering and Science Students (SUCCESS) is scheduled to open in the fall, as a result of an initiative proposed by former Governor Michael Leavitt. The academy is open to 9th and 10th grade students and will focus on a science, math and engineering college preparatory curriculum. The school will partner with Southern Utah University, where it is housed, and will give students the opportunity to earn their associate’s degree upon graduation. SUU believes the academy will attract students strong in math and science, a strong focus also for the university and the nation. Tuition for students in the associate’s degree program will be waived. Paul Maggio, Iron County School District, director of secondary education, said the students will attend the academy in the morning and then attend area high schools for elective courses as well as extracurricular activities. Maggio said he believes the academy will be great for students who thrive on an academically rigorous curriculum. The enrollment cap will be 50 per grade. Principal Vicki Wilson says "We'll be recruiting under-represented populations such as women, minorities, (and) first-generation college students that have the potential but maybe haven't had the opportunity to be successful at the traditional schools." St George Daily Spectrum (November 14, 2004).

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WASHINGTON
Charter Schools Rejected in Washington State
Referendum 55 was defeated by a wide margin. The Referendum would have upheld a law, signed by Governor Gary Locke last spring, to allow as many as 45 charter schools to open in a six year time frame. This defeat ends a 10 year struggle to get the charter school law passed in the state. The major opponent of the movement has been the Washington Education Association (WEA.). With the defeat, WEA has promised to work on reforms, which supporters of charter schools feel necessary for improvement in the state’s school system. Both sides had a costly fight, with supporters raising $3.9 million from such a highly visible citizens as Bill Gates, Microsoft; Don Fisher, Gap; and John Walton, Wal-Mart. The election recounts an ongoing national debate over charter schools and school choice. Supporters contend that charter schools allow more innovation, accountability, and programs for disadvantaged children. Opponents see no improvement to current educational systems and less accountability, however do realize the need for reform.
The Seattle Times (November 3, 2004).

King 5 News Refuses to Air Referendum 55 Ad
King 5 News stated that it will not run the “Support Referendum 55” advertisement asserting that the ad exaggerates traditional public schools drop out rates in addition to omitting statistics of Asia/Pacific population when reporting on minority drop out rates. King 5 News is not required to run the ad as the referendum is a state rather than a federal issue they are not required to run the ad. King5.com [free registration] (October 21, 2004).

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WASHINGTON, D.C.
Congress Discounts Property for Charter Schools
Last month Congress approved legislation that requires the city to offer charter schools surplus school property for at least 25% less than its appraised value. D. C. Council members complained that they were never told of the amendment to the D. C. Appropriations Act. Senator Mary Landrieu (Democrat-Louisiana) who introduced the legislation said she was not required to do so. Charter school advocates have had problems for years in obtaining vacant school property for their over crowded and cramped facilities. Alicia Daugherty, a policy and programs associate with the nonprofit, told the council that the group had gone to Congress out of frustration after trying for years to work with city officials. She said the city would never have approved charter schools in the first place without federal intervention. City officials disagreed and claim the law will be difficult to implement because of its vague, ambiguous wording. Charter schools have experienced rapid enrollment growth in the area and have been frustrated trying to work with the D. C. Council. The mayor’s office is continuing discussion with Congress and the Council is drafting its own legislation to ensure that charter schools cannot buy properties at a discount. Washington Post [free registration] (November 4, 2004).

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OTHER NEWS OF NOTE
Hoxby Finds Higher Proficiency Among Charter School Students
A new study by Caroline Hoxby of Harvard University indicates that a higher percentage of students attending established charter schools attain reading and math proficiency than peers enrolled in nearby traditional schools. The study included ninety-nine percent of all elementary charter school students. Achievement in Charter Schools and Regular Public Schools In The United States: Understanding The Differences (December 2004).

Deputy Secretary Eugene W. Hickok Resigns
Deputy Secretary, Eugene Hickok announced his intention to resign his position last week. In his roles as both Deputy Secretary and Undersecretary, Hickok oversaw the implementation of NCLB, advocated for parental choice and charter schools. Education Week (December 8, 2004).

House Approves IDEA Reauthorization
On November 19, 2004, approved a special education reform bill with overwhelming bipartisan support to help teachers, parents, and schools ensure every student with disabilities receives a quality education. The act will ensure school safety and reasonable discipline; provide local schools more flexibility and greater control; reduce burdensome regulations, costly litigation, and reduce the paperwork; and expand choices and give parents more control over their children’s education. According to the Charter School Leadership Council, the legislation will improve charter schools’ ability to serve disabled students and expand innovative and effective practices in several ways. The legislation

1. clarifies that charter schools that operate as LEAs are eligible for IDEA subgrants.
2. requires states and districts to distribute special education funds to charter schools on the same basis and at the same time as funds are distributed to traditional district schools.
3. includes a provision encouraging states to create “risk pools,” to protect the financial security of small schools and districts serving students with high-cost special education needs. States may access additional federal funds for this purpose and charter schools are eligible to participate.

ED Releases PCSP Report
The "Evaluation of the Public Charter Schools Program: Final Report" was recently made available on the U.S. Department of Education website.On November 18, 2004, the New York Times reported on this study indicating that charter schools are lagging behind traditional public schools. In a November 19th press release, Eugene Hickok, U.S. Deputy Secretary of Education Department of Education, indicated that the study analyzed charter schools in five states and found that more than half of charter schools in each state (and 90 percent in Colorado) met state performance standards for the 2001/02 school year but were less likely to have met performance standards than traditional public schools. He cautions the public not to interpret these results as an indication that traditional schools are outperforming charter schools and points out that students enroll in charter schools because their needs are not being met within the traditional system. Dr. Hickok asserts that, "The findings from the study show that the Public Charter Schools Program is achieving its intended purpose: to provide states with flexible funding to support new charter schools. As can be evidenced by their growing popularity, charters are an important educational option for the nearly three-quarters of a million students who attend them...They provide real options for families who previously had none." He is looking forward to reviewing the results of a more rigorous study by the Department's Institute of Education Sciences which will analyze the effect of charter schools on student achievement.

Spellings Nominated as Secretary of Education
President Bush named Margaret Spellings, the current chief adviser on domestic issues, to replace Rod Paige as Secretary of Education. In nominating Ms. Spellings President Bush praised her committment to education stating that both he and Ms. Spellings were "determined to extend the high standards and accountability measures of the No Child Left Behind Act to all of America's public high schools.'' The nomination focused on accountability and standards making no mention of vouchers or charter schools. New York Times (November 18, 2004).

Paige Resigns
U.S. Secretary of Education Rod Paige has announced his intention to resign at the completion of President Bush's first term. He has indicated that he will continue to serve until his replacement has been confirmed, if that is the President's wish. ED Press Release (November 15, 2004).

Education Next Cites Flaws in AFT Charter School Study
"Gray Lady Wheezing" analyzes the flawed AFT study on charter schools as reported on page one of the New York Times. The problems with the study pointed out in this article include: (1) the raw comparisons of standardized test scores could be attributed to the higher percentage of low income and minority students served by charter schools; and (2) The lack of consideration for the length of time that a charter school has been operating—a major factor affecting a school's performance. While Education Next was unable to offer any insight as to why this study was given such prominent coverage by the NYT, they provided two possible rationales. The first involved the dramatic effect of the reporting of an alleged "cover up" by the U.S. Department of Education. The second was to discredit President Bush's educational program which offers up charter schools as one potential remedy for chronically failing schools. The article concludes that "Timeliness and transparency are important, but bad information is worse than none. And uncovering misleading information and presenting it out of context does a greater disservice to the 'interests of children' than the Department of Education’s decision not to issue a report that does not control for student background characteristics." Education Next (Winter 2005).

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