San Antonio Schools Show Charter Success
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San Antonio Schools Achieve Charter Success
Overview
Parents in San Antonio are increasingly recognizing the benefits of charter schools. With 16 distinct public school districts in the city, the San Antonio Independent School District (SAISD) is making significant investments in charter education. Currently, 12 buildings in this district host internal charter schools.
Understanding Internal Charter Schools
Unlike traditional charter models that rely on state approval, internal charter schools in San Antonio depend on local parents and school board members. Forming one requires 80% approval from parents and staff, while traditional charters need the State Board of Education's consent. Both models receive funding through taxpayer dollars. To date, San Antonio's internal charters have secured $4.7 million in federal grants.
Specialized Educational Opportunities
The funding available allows San Antonio Schools to offer specialized programs in art, music, and science. These programs have shown notable success compared to other Texas charter schools, many of which have had to close because of curriculum issues or poor financial management.
Success Stories
Three charter schools in San Antonio stand out for their achievements. Hawthorne Academy, focusing on social studies, boasts recognized status and higher student performance on the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) compared to neighboring schools. Similarly, Austin Academy, an arts-focused school, attributes its success to integrating arts into academic learning.
Future Growth
With encouraging results, SAISD plans to convert six additional schools to internal charters this fall. Embracing innovation, schools like Riverside Park Academy transformed into a technology charter in 2004, providing cutting-edge tools like podcasting equipment and interactive 3-D imaging whiteboards.
Meeting Community Needs
A key to these programs' success is their ability to support San Antonio's minority and lower-income populations. For educators, incorporating arts and sciences into the curriculum offers a refreshing break from high-stakes testing environments. Teachers view the achievements of charter programs as evidence that comprehensive education requires exposure to diverse learning experiences, beyond just state-tested subjects.
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