Author: Shawna Ritchie
Alberta is the first, and only, Canadian province with charter schools. Following a worldwide trend in education reform, Alberta initiated legislation that established charter schools in May 1994. The first charter schools began operation in the fall of 1995 and charter schools continue to be a key part of the public school system in the province.
Despite this relatively long tenure, there is little awareness of charter schools in either Alberta or Canada. Few people understand what they are, why they were implemented or what they contribute to the provision of education in Alberta. This report explains why charter schools were introduced, how they operate and highlights some of the controversies, challenges and opportunities of charter schools. The hope is that increased understanding will facilitate greater and more profound discussion of charter schools and their role in public education in Alberta, and potential role in other Canadian jurisdictions.