On charter schools, state's ranking is OK

•Where: Charters can be established in school districts with at least 5,000 students and an area population of at least 500,000.

•Who: Eligible sponsors are school boards, technology center school districts and public colleges and universities with accredited teacher education programs and a campus in an eligible district. For-profit organizations can manage charters although schools cannot be granted directly to such organizations.

•Numbers: There are 15 now, but only three new ones can be approved each year beginning this year.

•Operations: Limited waiver of state and district regulations and policies. No legal autonomy.

•Funding: Receive at least 95 percent of average daily expenditures; district can retain the rest for administrative fees.

•Teachers: May remain with district collective bargaining arm or work independently. May participate in state retirement system.

•Students: Open to all students. Random selection of students in case of overenrollment. Must take exams as required of regular public school students.

Source: Center for Education Reform study