Achievement and Attainment in Chicago Charter Schools
RAND Education
Kevin Booker, Brian Gill, Ron Zimmer, Tim R. Sass
2008

Abstract:


This report by focuses on answering three questions surrounding charter schools, using student level data from charter schools in the Chicago Public School district. First, researchers ask whether or not charters are attracting higher-performing students and what the effect of transfers is on the racial make-up of schools. They also assess whether or not charter schools are producing achievement gains relative to district schools and whether or not charters have increased graduation and college enrollment rates. The report concludes that charters generally have a positive effect on achievement and outcomes with the exception of their first year in existence.