Many teachers working in Charter Schools know little about the movement, having simply taken a job where they could find one. The research now reveals that the first generation of charter schools have outperformed regular public schools (see sites #2 and #3). Charter schools are public schools that have organized around a charter allowing for greater freedom in exchange for greater accountability. Clearer focus of their mission and smallness of size may be the major bases for success. Both traits are replicable within public schools.

In this workshop you will examine several specific links, and select others of interest to you as well. If you are doing this workshop for graduate academic credit, you will produce a JOURNAL of responses to your explorations in this work.

1. To begin, review the findings of recent research in sites 2, 3, and 4.
2. Investigate two of the most "advanced" charter schools, going deep into the curriculum and assessment links at site #9, and Service Learning at site #8.
3. A number issues concerning charter schools are introduced in site #5. Site #6 asks whether Charter Schools are working, and considers some angles not covered in research. Site #7 takes a broader view of Charter issues. Use your journal to "weigh in" with your own views on these matters.
4. Site #10, National Center for Educational Statistics, has 90+ links to various topics, most of which concern charter schools. Pick out the five most interesting to you, and write about the issues that concern you most, saying what you believe should be done and why [in your Journal].
5. Sites #11, 12, and 13 all explore the most progressive alternative schools. Use your Journal to reflect on what strikes you of most value in these alternative schools. Realizing that Charter Schools are meant to "recycle" every 5 years, what would you think would be a direction from alternative schools that a future generation of alternative schools might adapt?
6. The single reform that makes the biggest improvement, Smaller Schools, can account for the score and satisfaction gains achieved by Charter Schools. What do you think? Does the smaller size and cohesiveness of smallness account for change? Shouldn't all schools "divide" into several smaller units? What could you do?
7. From the remaining links on this page, select sites that interest you, and give your viewpoint on at least two issues raised in them.
8. If you are doing this Workshop for academic credit, mail your completed Journal to:
   Chad C. Osborne
   13634 Leadwell St.
   Van Nuys, CA 91405