Increasing Charter School Innovation and Impact

• In Event: 33.078 - Roundtable Session 11
  In Roundtable Session: 33.078-17 - Charter School Evaluation

Abstract

Findings from a 2 year study system-wide study of the province of Alberta’s Public Charter School System imply significant changes to existing leadership networks. While choice is a priority like it is for their American counterparts, it is not sufficient for Alberta Public Charters to allow choice alone. Statute requires that they provide two things: 1) innovation, and; 2) improving student learning in the province (Alberta Education, 1996). We found only 20% of charter schools innovating deeply and constrained leadership networks rarely impacting outside the schools - while most leaders believe their Charter schools are wholly integrated communities of learning. From a complex analysis of this system, we offer new guidelines for Charter organization leaders, teachers and policy makers.

Authors

• Eugene Gary Kowch, University of Calgary

• Dianne Gereluk, University of Calgary