CHARTER SCHOOLS

Are Charter Schools servicing students with disabilities effectively?

Are Charter Schools servicing students with disabilities effectively?

Introduction

The role of Charter schools in catering learning and development needs of disabled students is expanding. Charters enrolled a larger percentage of students of color than all public schools in the charter states. There are numerous studies that speak of the successful milestones of charter schools (Drame, 2010). The present research aims to add to this existing literature and evidence and assess whether disabled students perform better in charter schools or the conventional public schools. Despite the success that has been achieved with students who are at risk for underachievement (i.e., students of color, low-income students, English language learners, and children with special needs) within traditional public school environments, many educational leaders have opted to meet these children's needs by creating environments operated with greater flexibility, autonomy, and innovation through state charter school laws (Estes, 2000). This study examines the capacity of charter school operators to create environments and service delivery models that effectively address the needs of students eligible for special education services.

Research Questions

Charter schools are improving education by sparking improvements in the traditional system, especially in the area of reading.

Significance of the study

This research is critical, particularly in a context where political, educational, and financial interest in charter schools has never been higher. With the proliferation of charter schools, the growth in charter enrollments, and the increasing willingness of states to authorize and fund charter schools, the importance of this research is evident. The results of this study have the potential to increase awareness of the factors related to special education that should be considered during the initial planning stage of a charter school (McDermott, 2006). In addition, the study's results can inform charter authorizers' identification and development of specific guidelines regarding special education that should be included in the planning and implementation stages.

Literature Review

Approximately 3,400 charter schools are currently in operation in the U.S., enrolling about 1 million students throughout 40 states and Washington, DC (Vanourek, 2005). Although a number of factors can influence the degree of success schools experience in educating their students, a review of the effective schools literature lends credence to the finding that administrative leadership is a fundamental ingredient for improving the outcomes of all, including students at risk for underachievement.

In 1998-99, charter schools were more likely than all public schools to serve black students. Academic Accountability: Performance is intensively reviewed by authorizers and parents who must annually renew their commitment to a school. Parent and teacher satisfaction surpasses that of parents and teachers in traditional public schools (Lange & Lehr, 2000). To provide a quality education for students with disabilities, charter school operators must have access to resources for training and technical assistance from various entities, such as local and regional education agencies, special education cooperatives, charter schools resource centers, and other organizations.

Federal antidiscrimination regulations (Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Title II of the Americans with ...