August 30, 2004

Last week, Indianapolis Mayor Bart Peterson issued the 2004 Accountability Report on Mayor'sponsored Charter Schools. Mayor Peterson is the only mayor in the United States with the authority to charter schools. The latest report follows up on the performance of the first three schools chartered by the mayor and provides in-depth information about the two new schools opened in the Fall 2003.

"I am excited about the progress these schools made last year in creating innovative programs for their students, " Mayor Peterson said. "My comprehensive system for holding the schools accountable demands a high quality education, and the schools' performance this past year makes clear they are taking accountability seriously."

The report evaluates the schools in four areas: academic results, parent and teacher satisfaction, site visits by a team of experts, and financial management and governance. As the schools approach the end of their seven-year charter, the information in the reports will play a significant role in the mayor's decision whether to renew the charters for additional years. These reports are also used to help schools improve their programs and services, and keep the public informed on student academic progress.

Some highlights from the report are:

• The percentage of students passing the ISTEP- in all three charters that finished their second year of operation increased in every category.

• In 77 percent of the grades and subjects in elementary and middle school, students progressed at a faster pace on average than their peers nationally.

• Even though many students enter charter schools behind their peers at Indianapolis Public Schools, the vast majority of elementary and middle school students in Mayor'sponsored schools are making academic gains at a rate sufficient for them to become proficient by 8th grade.

"It is too early to draw final conclusions about the schools' success since they've been open for such a short time," Mayor Peterson said. "But it's clear that the charter schools are doing well, and in some instances they are doing remarkably well."

To view the full report, go to www.indygov.org/mayor/charter/accountability_report.