Charter schools are publicly funded but independently run elementary or secondary schools that have freedom from some regulations faced by traditional public schools. The first charter school law was passed in Minnesota in 1991, and now 41 states and Washington D.C. have laws allowing charter schools. Charter schools operate autonomously but are accountable for student achievement. Debate around charter schools focuses on funding, accountability, and concerns about racial segregation. Research shows that charter school students, particularly white males with parents with a high school degree, tend to do better on state performance standards in math and reading compared to students at traditional public schools.