Having just posted on the need to close bad charter schools, it’s good to end the week on a positive note. In Washington D.C., long one of the cities with the worst public education system in the nation, charters are showing some considerable gains (full article):
Students in the district’s charter schools have opened a solid academic lead over those in its traditional public schools, adding momentum to a movement that is recasting public education in the city.
The gains show up on national standardized tests and the city’s own tests in reading and math, according to an analysis by The Washington Post. Charters have been particularly successful with low-income children, who make up two-thirds of D.C. public school students.
The article is instructive on both why many of these schools work, and some pitfalls to avoid (there has been accusations over conflicts of interest from the Charter board). It’s excellent reading.
Ooms With A View 