The devil's in the details. Even prior to NCLB, charter conversions have been widely divergent in quality, in "realness" (thanks, Jim), and in the degree to which they took advantage of new freedom. NCLB introduces a new element -- the "top-down" conversion. Keeping in mind that this is only one of the options open to districts (and frankly, one they'll be dragged kicking and screaming to use), the question is how to generate the sense the conversion is owned at the school level. Who will be involved in determining the school's new mission? How will parents get engaged? What role will non-district authorizers have?
I think there's tremendous potential in this provision -- but states and districts need to start thinking these questions through, posthaste.
Nelson Smith
Posted as a reply to:
Accountability and Charter Schools by Bob Montgomery 
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