Federal probe into Philly charters leads to new ethics code for state

By: Peter Crimmins

In the wake of a federal probe into some Philadelphia area charter schools, the Pennsylvania Coalition of Charter Schools has drafted a code of accountability. The non-binding, voluntary code is part of an effort to prompt state charter schools to police themselves.

By: Peter Crimmins
pcrimmins@whyy.org

In the wake of a federal probe into some Philadelphia area charter schools, the Pennsylvania Coalition of Charter Schools has drafted a code of accountability. The non-binding, voluntary code is part of an effort to prompt state charter schools to police themselves.

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Pennsylvania already has requirements for charter schools.

Pennsylvania Coalition of Charter Schools president Lawrence Jones says this code of accountability allows both school leaders and parents to review all of those charter regulations in a single document.

Jones: “As a charter school CEO it’s my job to be up on things, and I don’t know any CEO that knows every specific regulation and rule.  We’re not encyclopedias. This gives members and students an opportunity to look at what we’re doing.”

Charter schools have had their share of controversy. Of the 65 Philadelphia area charter schools, three are  being investigated by the federal government.  But others have excelled. Philadelphia Independence Charter School will receive the Goldman Sachs Foundation prize for Excellence in International Education.