charter school

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

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