Frequently Asked Questions
What is the mission of the Resource Center for Charter Schools?
The mission of the Resource Center is to improve public education in Texas by supporting the successful operation of high-quality charter schools. This is done by providing information, access to professional expertise, and direct technical support. The primary goal of the Resource Center is to see that a significant number of established charter schools remain strong, viable, and effective. In addition to daily technical assistance, the RCCS offers conferences, workshops, a website and numerous publications for each charter, including: a 1,100 page curriculum alignment notebook, a Special Education notebook, a set of IOR Compliance boxes, a Classroom Management Notebook and a Gaining Educational Momentum (GEM) TAAS assistance project- all at no cost to operational charters.
How was the Resource Center for Charter Schools formed?
The Resource Center was formed in 1997 as a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization by a group of Texas business leaders who understood the vision of Texas charter schools and the significant impact these schools could have on improving the state's public education system. These leaders realized that charter schools may need access to a variety of resources in order to be effective.
How is the Resource Center for Charter Schools funded?
The Resource Center is funded by major donations from foundations and corporations across Texas.
What is a Texas charter school?
Authorized by Texas law in 1995, charter schools are public schools that foster educational competition and offer parental choice in education. Charter schools have a significant amount of autonomy and are free to be innovative in educational and administrative practices.
How does the funding for charter schools compare to traditional public schools?
Charter schools receive the same per pupil expenditure for maintenance and operations as other Texas public schools, but they do not receive capital funding. Apples to Apples (PDF)
Who is eligible to attend charter schools and what is the current profile of the student population?
- Charter schools must accept all students who apply for admission as long as space is available.
- Over almost 90,000 public school students are currently being served by Texas charter schools.
- Texas charter schools serve a student population that is 80% minority, compared to 57% in traditional public schools.
Are charter schools held accountable for academic performance?
Just like traditional schools, charter schools are held accountable for student academic performance under the state's testing system, the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS). Should a charter school fail to meet the objectives stated in its charter, the charter may be revoked.
How are charter schools created?
- State-approved charter schools are non-profit organizations that can be founded by parents and teachers, social service organizations, universities and governmental entities. These organizations submit an application to TEA, are interviewed by the State Board of Education, and, if approved, are granted a charter.
- School districts may authorize locally-approved charter schools.
How many charters are operational in Texas?
Texas currently has 198 operational state-approved charter schools and 54 locally-approved charters for a total of 252 charters serving more than 90,000 students.
Where can I find out more about Texas charter schools?
The Texas Education Agency has additional information regarding charter schools.
Lori Hernandez, Educational Consultant
Cindy Ramos , Office Manager