Can Charter Schools Improve Achievement?

Yes! According to a recent report by the Center for School Change at the Humphrey Institute:

21 out of 31 charter schools studied have reported gains after administering the same test twice.
Seven charters in this group have had their contracts renewed because they showed improved achievement.
Most of the charter schools studied are serving urban students of color and low income students.

Recent Comments

Kennedy, Lincoln and possible lessons of their lives / Joe Nathan’s Column (12)
- Eric Morrison: Joe, nice column and great food for thought. I thought it an interesting juxtaposition to have read your column and at the same time the MinnCan report on Native American high school graduation rates in Minnesota (available at...
- Harlan Hansen: Joe – very nice column! As I read through it I kept thinking how will the kids in schools get your information (or isn’t that one of the goals) ?For those readers who are principals, can we trust that they will...
- John Hakes: The ‘perspective’ piece is huge, and the explanation behind many a miscommunication between parent and child. Of course, we can always try to help our kids increase their understanding and historical context, but so much of...
- Allan Bonilla: Love what you say about great things not being accomplished in isolation. It is about teamwork and collaboration. As school leaders we need to remember the power of the team.
- Vana Baker: Very enlightening! Thanks for sharing! Vana Mrs. Vana Baker M.Ed., Principal/Superintendent Independence Charter Middle School 3232 NW 65th Street Oklahoma City, OK 73116
Sen. Franken, students & educators agree, act on important needs / Joe Nathan’s Column (1)
- Peter Smyth: Comprehensive high schools once did this. In the 1980s at a strong academic high school one of the most poplar courses was Auto Mechanics. Taking courses like these doesn’t mean that’s your career. It’s part of being...
Good news about progress for all kinds of young people / Joe Nathan’s Column (6)
- Keith Hardy: Fabulous Joe!
- Peter Smyth: This is a great thing that also needs a note of caution. We’ve been doing this for a while in SC. Here are some things to consider: College courses should be above and beyond what the high school shoul offer; that is, thy should not...
- Eric Cooper: Hey Joe, terrific pieces!! Wonderful progress as you indicate and real important to share — which I will. Thanks for sending. Eric
- Karen Rusthoven: Good morning, Joe! Thank you again, for your good work on behalf of so many. Most sincerely, Karen
- Judy Kaufman: Hi Joe, Great article about the growing number of Minnesota students who are earning college credits while still in high school.
$40 million for early childhood that may or may not have a positive impact / Joe Nathan’s Column (6)
- Margie Nunn: Many early childhood programs go under an extensive review and get rated in every component of their program: http://ers.fpg.unc.edu/about-e nvironment-rating-scales or achieve NAEYC accreditation. Those are two ways to ensure they...
- Peter Smyth: Excellent points, Joe. This is a major weakness of this kind of thing – oversight. In this case, early childhood programs should attempt to give kids what is missing in their homes – being read to, talking and listening to...
- Tom Watkins: The best investment we can make as a nation.
- Alicia Middleton: This is an interesting point. Here in PA and NYC, many early childhood programs are just glorified babysitting facilities. In 2006 our PA Build Initiative report states that children from HIGH quality preschool programs do better...
- Michael Atherton: The point that people seem to ignore is that even if you equate the performance of children as they enter school, if you put them in lousy schools for 13 years it’s not going to do them any good. This push for early childhood...
High schoolers cash in on dual credit classes (4)
- Tom King: What a great opportunity for our HS students to take these dual-credit courses! It shows the intelligence and prudence of young people in our schools . It makes great sense to take as many relevant courses as their time and talent allow....
- Wayne Gersen: This isn’t “corporate reform” by any definition. Dual enrollment programs have been in place in New Hampshire where I live for decades and AP courses are hardly a “reform”… All public schools...
- Wayne Jennings: Every high school student and parent should know of this program and its details. It is not only for what we think as traditional colleges but also vocational and technical training. A student could leave their high school to...
- Dr. Tom P Abeles: Dear Joe, Your columns have encouraged students to leverage options to obtain dual credit via such mechanisms such as PSEO, AP, CIS and similar opportunities. Today, with AP, or advanced placement, it is becoming clear that...
NEW 4TH EDITION Jump Start Dual Credit Booklet Available! (2)
- Josie Ahartz: Marisa and Joe, I felt compelled to let you both know the feelings the stories evoked in me. The further I read, the more teary eyed I became. These were not tears of sadness, but of pride and happiness when I know that our youth are...
Mr. Hardy and a student who couldn’t sing / Joe Nathan’s Column (9)
- Bob Rose: Hi, Joe, The only way to REALLY get to enjoy music is to have “perfect pitch”. This ability easily leads to mastery of singing, a love of music, and great success on any musical instrument. The problem is, that this skill...
- Keith: Joe, Gotta say that subject line caught my attention! Nice, nice story. Keith
- Brad: Joe, I read your email, this morning and had to smile at your experience which was not completely unlike my own in school. I tried out for Glee Club at Newfield Elementary School in Stamford, CT every year. Every year I was, politely,...
National union president’s visit highlights potential progress & problems of increasing $ for early childhood education (1)
- Tom King: Fine article on Early Childhood learning, Joe. Often we don’t need studies to convince us that something works. The sooner children learn, the better. It needs to start at home, too. Parents must try to find a time to read t their...