Best Practices for Nonprofit Charter Schools Accountability: A Case Study of American YouthWorks
Date
2010-10
Authors
Flores, Christian P.
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Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this applied research project is to develop a best practice model for nonprofit charter school accountability, and to gauge how closely American YouthWorks compares to the practical ideal type. American YouthWorks is an award-winning nonprofit charter school in Austin, Texas, and was chosen for this study to gauge the feasibility of implementing a best practices model. A review of the literature has identified four key components for the best practices model: Mission-Based Accountability, Ethical Culture, Financial Practices, and Performance Measures.
Methodology: A conceptual framework is developed from the components of the best practices model of nonprofit charter school accountability. A case study research design incorporates a structured face-to-face interview to identify how closely American YouthWorkds measures to the best practice model for nonprofit accountability. Responses to the structured interview questions are measured using a scoring system. Pertinent documents are reviewed in order to supplement the structured interview.
Findings: Generally, American YouthWorks exceeds standards delineated in the best practices nonprofit charter school accountability model. However, the organization could improve accountability standards by incorporating a few additional best practices.
Description
An Applied Research Project Submitted to the Department of Political Science, Texas State University-San Marcos, in Partial Fulfillment for the Requirements for the Degree of Masters of Public Administration, Fall 2010.
Keywords
accountability, charter schools, nonprofits, mission, ethics, transparency, Public Administration
Citation
Flores, C. P. (2010). Best practices for nonprofit charter school accountability: A case study of American YouthWorks. Masters of Public Administration, Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas.