It is the intent of the legislature to provide opportunities for teachers, parents, students and community members to establish and maintain public charter schools which operate independently from the existing school district structure but within the existing public school system as a method to accomplish any of the following:

1. Improve student learning;

2. Increase learning opportunities for all students, with special emphasis on expanded learning experiences for students;

3. Include the use of different and innovative teaching methods;

4. Utilize virtual distance learning and on-line learning;

5. Create new professional opportunities for teachers, including the opportunity to be responsible for the learning program at the school site;

6. Provide parents and students with expanded choices in the types of educational opportunities that are available within the public school system;

7. Hold the schools established under this chapter accountable for meeting measurable student educational standards.