Charter schools. Created and managed by groups of parents, teachers, community groups and others, public charter schools can be tailored to meet the needs of a local community. These schools -- now permitted in 23 states -- are public schools freed from most laws and regulations in exchange for accountability for better performance and results. Charter schools are non-sectarian, may not charge tuition, and should be open to all students. Parents and teachers also have additional options for tailoring educational opportunities for children, including public school choice, magnet schools, schools-within-schools, and redesigning and improving individual public schools.

Reconstitution. San Francisco is an example of a district with authority to take over individual schools. Under the district's Comprehensive School Improvement Plan, the district places low-performing schools on a one-year probationary period. If the school doesn't improve, the school is reconstituted. All staff at the school are relocated to other schools but may reapply for jobs at their school. The board hires a new principal, who then hires a new teaching staff, janitorial and cafeteria staff. Five states have policies that permit takeover of failing schools, based on low performance. These states include: Michigan, Mississippi, New Jersey, and Oklahoma, and Texas. Based on a court ruling,also has permitted state takeover of districts and schools.