New Study Takes A Look At How Pa. Oversees Charter Schools Compared To Other States
By Mike DeNardo
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A new study looks at how Pennsylvania oversees charter schools, compared to other states.
A Pew study says Pennsylvania is similar to other states in allowing local districts to authorize charter schools. In Philadelphia, the School Reform Commission has that power. But a few things stand out, says Larry Eichel, Director of Pew's Philadelphia Research Initiative.
"Pennsylvania allows a higher percentage of uncertified teachers to make up a charter's staff than some other states," said Eichel.
Up to 25 percent uncertified. And:
"In recent years, Pennsylvania has been among the states least likely to open or close charters," said Eichel.
The report did not explore why that is. Nor did it examine the performance of charters under various oversight models.
Eichel says last school year, 28 percent of Pennsylvania's charter school students were enrolled in cyber charters -- the second-highest percentage in the nation behind Ohio.
