The Charter Puzzle

Rather than serving exclusively to challenge the status quo, charters should be used strategically to move existing public school systems forward, writes Greg Richmond in this _Education

Week_ Commentary. To establish high-quality charter schools, he cautions, we cannot simply knock down barriers. Whereas traditional school systems tried to create equality through

centralized regulation, the new system must provide innovative support mechanisms, facilitate informed school choice, protect school autonomy, and create real accountability. What do you

think? How can states and districts assure the quality of charter schools? How can the charter system work in tandem with traditional public schools to improve education in general?