Study Finds Charter School Students Don't Outperform Those At Public Schools

The Washington Times (6/30, Wetzstein, 77K) reports a study commissioned by the Institution of Education Science's showed "middle school students in charter schools in 15 states ...generally performed no better in math and reading than other public school students." Students "in charter schools in urban areas were exceptions - they did better in math than their public school peers - and charter school students were generally more satisfied with their schools, said the study, conducted by Mathematica Policy Research Inc. and released Wednesday." John Easton, director of the Institution of Education Services at ED, said, "The study adds to a growing body of evidence on thie important policy issue." But "the outcome...is sure to disappoint education officials who are seeking new ways to improve student achievement." The Washington Post (6/30, Strauss) also runs the story.

Charter Schools Sometimes Face Same Problems As Public Schools. The Indianapolis Star (6/30, Gammill) reports on the problems faced by parents looking for the best education possible sometimes find charter schools "have abysmal student performance. In short, charter schools are neither inherently better nor worse -- and they are susceptible to the same factors that determine the quality of a traditional public school." University of Indianapolis Researcher David Dresslar said, "There are all kinds of issues that, just like a traditional public school, cause them [Charter Schools] to lag in performance." Furthermore, Dresslar claims charters with strong leadership and teaching prevail.