Definition
Publicly funded but independently operated schools freed from many regulations, existing in the political crossfire between education reform and teachers' unions. Educational policy's perennial wedge issue where everyone claims to speak for the children.
Example Usage
Charter school expansion became the litmus test issue for the Democratic primary, splitting reformers from union loyalists.
Origin
Educational reform movement of the 1990s, first law passed in Minnesota in 1991
Fun Fact
Despite decades of studies, research on charter school effectiveness remains inconclusive enough that both sides can claim data supports their position
Source: Education policy and political debate terminology
Related Terms
Translate This Term
See “charter school” in Corporate Speak, Gen-Z Slang, Pirate Speak, and more.
Try the Translator