Faint Praise for Charter Schools

In the wake of a national study on charter schools, this was the best that the Education Department’s statistics guru could say: “We know they are not doing harm.” (And, we must ask, is that the same standard to which they hold you?)

According to the report, released in August, fourth-graders in traditional public schools did significantly better in reading and math than comparable students attending charter schools. The study used National Assessment of Educational Progress test scores, involved 376,000 students, and controlled for race and socioeconomic status.

Charter school proponents quickly responded, arguing the data didn’t give the full picture or reflect improvement over time. NEA President Reg Weaver agreed that statistical analysis, while helpful, shouldn’t be the only indicator of success. He added that while charter schools can facilitate reform and help develop creative teaching methods, “they are not the solution. The solution starts with adequate and equitable funding for all schools.”