By the end of 1995, 19 states had passed charter-school legislation and at least 16 others had considered similar legislation. This document summarizes the issues surrounding charter schools and the implications of recent research about the charter-school movement's failure. The document defines charter schools and their organization, describes reasons for their popularity, and highlights the status of charter schools in the western United States. Research findings in the following areas are summarized: evaluation and accountability, funding, innovation, approval and appeal processes, and at-risk students and equity. At issue is not just the success of a handful of schools, but an entire school of thought about which particular forces sustain systemwide transformation in public education. A list of charter-school contacts in 17 states is included. (Contains 23 endnotes.) (LMI)