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1) How many charter schools are there in Michigan?
There are a total of 230 charter schools in Michigan, as of December 31, 2007. Eastern Michigan University (EMU) sponsors eight charter schools.
2) When did EMU begin sponsoring charter schools?
EMU began sponsoring its first two charter schools (Gaudior Academy and Commonwealth Community Development Academy) in 1996.
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4) Who can start a charter school? Nearly any interested individual or group can start a charter school. However, organizations connected directly with religious organizations or educational service providers (ESP) may not be allowed to receive a charter in Michigan.
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5) How do charter schools differ from traditional public schools? Charter schools, which are actually public schools themselves, differ from traditional public schools in several keys ways:
Charter schools have greater flexibility in implementing alternative approaches to educating students;
Charter schools operate with no geographical boundaries for students (if chartered by a university);
Charter schools operate as mini-school districts whose leadership answers directly to publicly appointed school boards.
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6) What is EMU’s role as a charter schools authorizer? As an authorizer, EMU provides oversight to its charter schools in three main areas:
Ensuring that progress is being made by the students at these charter schools;
Ensuring that these charter schools operate in compliance with all federal, state and local laws and regulations;
Ensuring that these charter schools’ operate in a manner reflective of sound fiscal management.
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7) How is the success of EMU’s charter schools measured?
Academic success at EMU’s charter schools is measured the same as at other public schools. EMU’s charter schools must perform satisfactorily under the federal “No Child Left Behind” act’s provision for passing schools. Also, charter schools must satisfactorily meet Michigan’s “EducationYES!” performance standards. However, more importantly we will know our charter schools are successful when we begin to see our educational programs becoming adopted by our friends in the traditional public schools. Our ultimate goal is to raise the educational attainment of all Michigan students.
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