In December 1998, the New York State Charter Schools Act allowed the creation of independent public schools, operating based on the terms of a five-year performance contract or "charter." These schools can be created by educators, parents, community leaders, philanthropists and nonprofit organizations and are governed by a not-for-profit board of trustees.

Charter schools are held accountable for meeting specific student performance goals and their charter can be revoked or not renewed if results are not attained. In return, charter schools are exempt from many public school regulations for curriculum development, staffing and budgeting.

By giving educators more authority and evaluating schools by their student achievements, charter schools provide an innovative solution to achieve the following educational goals:

• Increase the learning opportunities and scholastic achievement for all students, especially those at-risk of academic failure
• Encourage the use of different and innovative teaching methods
• Provide parents and students more educational choices within the public school system
• Create new opportunities for motivated teachers, school administrators and personnel

Like all public schools, charter schools must meet state standards and Regents requirements, as well as state laws regarding health, safety, civil rights and student assessment. In addition, charter schools must accept all students and cannot discriminate in their admission policy.

The New York Charter Schools Act of 1998 contains several general education reforms as a result of the 2007-08 New York State Budget.

• Click here for the New York Charter Schools Act
• Click here for the 2007-08 New York State Education Reform Initiatives