What are charter schools? How are they created? Who runs them? How successful have they been? These questions are addressed in an hour-long program called “Charter Schools That Work,” broadcast on PBS last fall.
Hosted by Clarence Page, Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist for the Chicago Tribune, the program examines six charter schools through the eyes of parents, teachers, students, and activists, using their personal perspectives to illustrate school startup issues, motivations for starting schools, and actual accomplishments.
Despite some failures, charter schools are building an impressive track record, says Paige. Moreover, they’re also teaching that the fear of trying something new may be even worse than failure.
“Charter Schools That Work” is a production of the Corporation for Educational Radio and Television (CERT) and was produced and directed by Zach Richter. Videotapes of the program are available for $19.98 from PBS Learning Media at 1-800 PLAY-PBS. Transcripts are available for $10.00 from: CERT, Charter Schools, P.O. Box 564, New York, NY 10014.