We're pleased to note the publication of a new installment of the Education Department's Innovations in Education book series (see below for our review of some earlier iterations), this one entitled Successful Charter Schools. It's a good introduction to how to start and administer charters, with case studies of eight fine schools around the nation. And this week, the Department backed up its advocacy of charters with a $3.8 million check-down payment on a pledge of $13 million-to the state of Maryland, to support new charter schools. Unfortunately, Maryland has one of the most restrictive charter environments in the country, with only three schools allowed to open statewide per year, and none before 2005. Let's hope that the federal largesse encourages the Maryland legislature to respond with a similar act of generosity toward public schools of choice.
"Propping up charter law," by Mike Bowler, Baltimore Sun, June 23, 2004
"Innovations in education: Successful charter schools," US Department of Education, June 2004