CONTACT: Michelle Hudgins  (202) 822-7823

August 22, 2006

More Resources are Required to Fix Charter and Public Schools

WASHINGTON -- Today, the National Center for Education Statistics released a special analysis of the 2003 NAEP (National Assessment of Educational Progress) reading and mathematics assessment data of grade 4 to compare achievement in charter schools to that of public non-charter schools. The report also looks at the relationship between charter school characteristics and achievement. The following statement can be attributed to NEA President Reg Weaver:

“Statistical analysis of important data is helpful; it provides us with greater insight and knowledge into what is working and what is not. However, it should not be the only indicator of success and it should be regarded within the appropriate framework.

“Historically, the public school policy debate has focused on statistical evidence to tell us what we already know—all of our children are not benefiting from the best public schools have to offer. A great public school is a basic right of every child, and too many are being denied that basic right. As a result of the shortcomings of some public schools, some parents have sought alternatives.

“Charter schools and other nontraditional public school options have the potential to facilitate education reforms and develop new and creative teaching methods that can be replicated in traditional public schools for the benefit of all children, but they are not the solution. The solution starts with adequate and equitable funding for all schools, supported by parental and community involvement.  Everyone has a stake in the success of our public schools and the future of our children.  We all have a responsibility to do what we can to ensure that every child has access to the tools and resources they need to succeed in life, including schools that work with up-to-date textbooks, the latest technology and highly qualified teachers. If all schools are created equal and the tools and resources are in place to meet the educational needs of each and every child, we will no longer have to debate which system is better or which school is best because they will all be equally equipped to prepare students to lead successful and productive lives and compete in our global economy."

The NCES Look at Charter Schools reports can be found at :
http://nces.ed.gov/pubsearch/pubsinfo.asp?pubid=2006460 

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The National Education Association is the nation's largest professional employee organization, representing 2.8 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators and students preparing to become teachers.