Charter schools, like social movements and fashion trends, arrived later in South Dakota than elsewhere in America.

The nation's first charter school opened in Minnesota in 1992. Fifteen years later, South Dakota is still one of 11 states that does not allow them in its public education system, despite interest from parents over the years.

That could change if the state Legislature approves legislation that Sen. Tom Katus, D-Rapid City, hopes to introduce in 2008 allowing for their creation in this state.

A group of parents and educators wants to start a charter school in Rapid City that would focus on Lakota culture and values as a way to combat dismal graduation rates among Native American students in the Rapid City school district.

Charter schools are public schools that are given great freedom in areas of curriculum and staffing in exchange for higher achievement in other areas. Those areas can range from student academic scores to parental satisfaction to artistic creativity to cultural sensitivity.

Nationwide, the report card for charter schools has been mixed. Some have flourished, producing amazing success stories of student achievement and educational excellence. Others have floundered, producing little more than headlines of corruption and closures.

If the rest of the nation's experience of charter schools has taught us anything, it is that charter schools are only as good as the individuals who administer them, teach in them and attend them. South Dakota would be wise to learn from those lessons. Funding issues, oversight problems and long-term commitment to shared goals continue to plague even successful charter schools.

The Native American community must define and agree on what it wants and expects from a charter school.

Charter schools can be a wonderful tool for educating children, and we urge the Legislature to allow them in this state, as long as everyone involved is clear about a proposed charter school's mission, goals and, most importantly, how it defines success.