Abstract: This study finds that California charter schools are proving more effective in improving academic performance for low-income and at-risk students than traditional public schools in the state. Using data from the state's Academic Performance Index for kindergarten through 12th grade, the study compares three years of test scores at 6,520 traditional schools with scores at 93 charters. Comparing charter schools that served between 50 and 74 percent free or reduced-priced lunches with comparable non-charter schools, the authors found that the scores for charter schools improved 22.6 percent, compared with 19.4 percent for non-charter schools. The authors attributed the higher test scores in part to the flexibility that charter schools allow, including choice of curriculum and textbooks and smaller class sizes.
Resource Type: Research/ Reports (Non Federal), Legislation/ Policy Analysis Resource Format: PDF File Target Audience: Authorizers, Founders, Administrators, Policy Makers, Researchers Resource Topic: Accountability, Assessment, Equity, Impact of Charter Schools, Effectiveness of Charter Schools, Demographics of Charter School Students
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