Charter Schools: New Evidence of Student Success

A nationwide Stanford study shows huge learning gains over union schools

WSJ editorial. Excerpts:

"Stanford’s Center for Research on Education Outcomes (Credo) report is the third in a series (2009, 2013, 2023) tracking charter-school outcomes over 15 years. The study is one of the largest ever conducted, covering over two million charter students in 29 states, New York City and Washington, D.C., and a control group in traditional public schools."

"Most charter schools “produce superior student gains despite enrolling a more challenging student population.” In reading and math, “charter schools provide their students with stronger learning when compared to the traditional public schools.” The nationwide gains for charter students were six days in math and 16 days in reading."

"In New York, charter students were 75 days ahead in reading and 73 days in math compared with traditional public-school peers. In Illinois they were 40 days ahead in reading and 48 in math. In Washington state, 26 days ahead in reading and 39 in math."

"Credo’s first study in 2009 found that charters didn’t yield better student outcomes—and has long been cited by charter opponents. Teachers unions often claim charters and choice programs betray public education because they cherry-pick children and fail to serve those in greatest need. Credo’s results should also end that discussion."

"black and Hispanic students had some of the largest gains and that they “advance more than their TPS peers by large margins in math and reading.” Ditto for children in poverty."

"Around 15% of charters underperform their local public school, but lackluster charters are closed, unlike failing union schools."