The public view of charter schools and their proposed mission will have a major impact on how well this school reform effort will be sustained. Support for charter schools in Pennsylvania has grown to such an extent that it may prevent demand for voucher systems. Parents dissatisfied with public schools elected to transfer their children to charter schools hoping that smaller settings, more caring staff, and individualized instruction would improve student achievement and ensure future economic stability. Other parents saw charter schools helping students in special education, English as a second language, and at-risk populations. Another reason for abandoning regular public schools is violence in schools; these parents are demanding standards on student conduct. This study contains pros and cons of the movement and is based on interviews with members of charter-school constituencies, school district personnel, educators involved in advising both entities, observations of charter-school implementation, and a review of how legislation is interpreted by all concerned parties, including Pennsylvania Department of Education staffers. (Contains 24 references.) (DFR)