Charter+School+Laws

**Introduction to [|Charter School Laws] **

The ability of charter schools to answer the call to innovatively bring better outcomes for students is largely based on the flexibility allowed by statutory and case law. Laws that allow educators in charter schools to forgo many regulations and focus on the instructional needs of students are well positioned to revolutionize the face of education. Since the Tenth Amendment of the US Constitution delineates the educational right and responsibility to states, the context for operating a charter varies across the fifty states. This paper offers a historical and practical perspective to charter school laws.

**Reflection **

My first teaching job was at a publicly-funded environmental charter school. Although I began teaching at the school after the planning phase, it was evident to me that establishing a charter school nurtures collaboration. I believed the cohesive thematic approach and the common-language students heard from teachers increased student engagement. As a language arts teacher, I noticed the influence student background knowledge had on the ability to comprehend and engage with texts. The learning environment felt focused and student-centered. My positive experience with the environmental charter school has led me to be interested in working with colleagues to establish a charter. At some point in my career, I hope to utilize my understanding of charter school laws as I embark on developing a charter school.

Administrator Standard #4; Content Guideline J Administrator Standard #7; Content Guideline E