Charter school operations and performance : evidence from California /

This study uses survey research to assess and evaluate differences between California charter schools and its public schools. The subjects considered include academic achievement, finance and organizational structure, staffing, curriculum, and special education. Those who believe charter schools will have a revolutionary effect on education will not be pleased by its conclusion that there is "no single charter school approach and therefore no single charter school effect." Charter schools are too diverse to allow for any generalizations, and in the most important areas of concern the researchers find no substantial difference from public schools. Of course, this study is by no means definitive, and, as the authors admit, is often hampered by lack of sufficient data. This very inconclusiveness limits the usefulness of this study, but it should be on the reading list for those with a strong interest in the subject. ^BSumming Up: Optional. Research, faculty, and professional collections. M. Engel Westfield State College