Compared to traditional CPS schools, charter, contract, and performance schools receive greater levels of autonomy in exchange for accountability. The degree of autonomy depends on the school type.
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Performance schools |
Contract schools |
Charter schools |
| CPS schools with CPS staff. Have more autonomy than traditional schools. Must adhere to the Illinois School Code and the vast majority of CPS policies. |
CPS schools managed by external organizations. Must adhere to the Illinois School Code and CPS student-related policies. |
Independently operated public schools that are authorized under Illinois Charter Schools Law, 105 ILCS/5/27A-5  |
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| Autonomies |
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- Curriculum
- Staffing (Illinois state certification required)
- Time
- Budget
- Governance
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- Curriculum
- Staffing
- Time
- Budget
- Governance
- Student Discipline
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| Accountability |
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New start vs. turnaround
| New start |
Turnaround schools |
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A majority of ONS schools are “new starts,” meaning that the school will open with new staff and new students. A new school can be a charter, contract, or performance school.
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Organizations with a track record of success in operating schools apply to provide turnaround services. The organization selects adults with skills to match the needs of the struggling school, while all of the students remain in place. A turnaround provider may choose to use either the performance or contract school model.
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Click
here for a more detailed overview of the school types.
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