Charter Schools Research Brief

Abstract

Collectively, the research indicates that charter schools are expanding options for parents and students, and that some charter schools have a significant positive impact on the achievement of certain sub-populations of students. It also suggests that, after a period of time, charter schools eventually tend to perform at a level commensurate to that of TP schools. However, the substantial challenges charters encounter with teaching diverse learners raise questions about how and the extent to which they serve high-cost student populations (ELL/LEP students and students with disabilities); the impact on student academic achievement and development when a significant portion of their teachers are under-certified, underpaid, and have high rates of attrition; and the overall effects of schools with high concentrations of poverty and racial and social isolation. When coupled with inconclusive evidence on student achievement in charter schools, these issues raise more questions about the long-term benefits of charter schools, their economic impact on traditional public schools, and the overall direction of the public education system.