One state in the country has lead the way in establishing choices regarding public education and that has been through Arizona Charter Schools
. In statistics alone since their inception in 1994 through government sponsored initiatives the state now brags that approximately 10% of their student population is enrolled in these option schools. Having multiple choices for students and parents interested in the public education system provides more chances at success in the program.
In many ways the Arizona Charter Schools have more liberality in determining how to organize, teach, and implement learning styles and overall discipline in their schools. They do however have to meet the testing and state standards that are implemented on the local, state and federal levels to participate in the charter program. Since these schools are mainly funded by the state they get their monies in accordance to their attendance, much as the regular public schools. In addition to this they can campaign and raise money on the private level to help with their alternative learning centers. Unlike a more traditional public school the financial documents of their fundraising and local level funding are made more public and up for consistent auditing.
There is a strict adherence to many standards in order to qualify to become a charter school. While the Arizona Charter Schools are on a contract for 15 years at a time they are monitored closely for attendance and meeting yearly standards with reviews by the sponsoring board conducted every 5 years of their contract. All resumes and experience held by teachers and administration at these schools are also of open record to all inquiring parties to see.
Luckily for those interested in more options in the education of their children, these days there are a lot and one of them is the Arizona Charter Schools leading the way in their organization and popularity in the state. Approximately one quarter of Arizona schools is made of these alternative charter schools and other states are following the basic model and premise. No longer are all children required to go to a public school that may or may not adhere to their learning style.