Arizona Charter Operators Earn National Recognition in Newsweek
Tucson's BASIS charter school, led by Carolyn McGarvy, has been identified as one of the top three high schools in America, based on  Newsweek magazine’s recently released list of 100 best American high schools.  The list identifies the most rigorous public high schools in the country based on Washington Post writer Jay Matthews’...read here.

Opening the Books: Arizona Per-Pupil Funding Higher Than Reported
A new analysis of Arizona Department of Education financial data shows per-pupil funding is roughly $8,500 per student, significantly more than the $5,000 reported by the National Education Association and very near the U.S. average. Opening the Books: 2006 Annual Report on Arizona Public School Finance...read here.

Back to the Basics on Accountability
Performance Accountability is, or at least should be, the hallmark of the charter school movement.  We have been saying that accountability is the distinguishing feature of charter schools since their inception a decade and a half ago.  We regularly say that charter schools are accountable.  But, what does that mean, exactly...read here.

Does Your Parent Handbook Need a Makeover?
Given the need for principals, teachers, and parents to communicate clearly with each other about issues related to students’ care and education, the need for a parent handbook has never been more important.  In operating a school, like any business, it is wise to put your policies in writing so there can be no questions...read here.

School Choice Options Expand with Implementation of Arizona Tax Credit Program
The Arizona Tax Credit Program, which allows businesses to donate to nonprofit organizations that distribute vouchers for private schools to children who need them, is now law. On March 29 Gov. Janet Napolitano allowed the Arizona tax credit program to become law without her signature, ending a year-long battle with legislators to sign the measure into law...read here.

A Note from the Editor
The word “bittersweet” has taken on a new, personal meaning for me as I join the team here at ReSolutions and assume the editing duties of the Charter School Monthly. For I realize that the opening for this position would not have existed were it not for the death of Suzanne Carpenter in January.  Suzanne loved her job, not just as editor...read here.