How do charter schools legally operate?
Charter schools are governed by the charter school laws of individual states. The Pennsylvania charter school legislation, Act 22 went into effect in 1997. It defines a charter school as an autonomous Local Education Agency (LEA). Charters are required to meet all state laws and regulations protecting the health, safety, and civil rights of their students. These include background checks for all staff and insurance for the school and staff. The schools must also comply with state regulations for the required number of hours and for administering standardized tests that assess achievement. Charter schools must submit yearly reports to the district school board and undergo annual audits. If the school does not meet the goals it sets, the school board may not renew the charter.
