England is establishing “academies” to replace failing secondary schools. Academies are the equivalent of charter schools in the U.S. because they are publically funded but operate autonomously with little federal or local regulation. About 17 have been established with the backing of Tony Blair’s blessing with a goal of 200 by the end of the decade. This action has created controversy. Teacher unions oppose this movement partly because for-profit business groups have established some of the schools.
