Study Of Urban Charter Schools Holds Promise

Dr. Marciene Mattleman

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - A new study from the Center for Research on Education Outcomes at Stanford University found that in 41 major regions charter schools were outperforming their district counterparts in reading and math, although quality remains a "patchwork" with some poorly performing schools.

In both urban charter and district schools research also shows that equal numbers of English-language learners, students in poverty and in special education are being served.

One major finding is that urban charters operate the equivalent of 40 additional days of learning in math and 28 days in reading providing instruction at a time when it has been recommended that use of extended hours for teaching and learning is critical for achievement.

These important data reported in Education Week and funded by the Walton Family Foundation, will be part of analysis in 22 state specific reports.