day for charter school students is seven hours, with six hours spent in academic instruction. The school year for these charter schools lasts 186 days. The charter schools operate independently of the district board of education, but their funding comes from state and local taxpayers (About, 2004). Student transportation is provided by the district board of education. Charter schools have to submit renewal applications in their fourth year for a comprehensive performance review.
The National Education Association supports public charter schools that have the same standards of accountability and access as other public schools, and embraces high standards, accountability and strong local control of these schools (NEA, 2004). It offers criteria that can significantly improve the chances for success in charter school programs and firmly believes all affected public education employees must be directly involved in the design, implementation, and governance of educational programs at the schools. Nationwide, as of 2001, there were 2,300 public charter schools with more t
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