Charter Schools Performing Higher?

Charter schools grade highest

Hub's traditional, pilot systems lag; Findings surprise state's specialists

By James Vaznis - Globe Staff / January 6, 2009

A new study indicates that Boston charter schools significantly outperform the city's traditional schools, but raises new questions about the city's experimental pilot schools, which in many cases posted "ambiguous" or "disconcerting" results.

The study, being released today at a Boston Foundation forum, examined state standardized test scores for students of similar backgrounds at the three kinds of schools over a four-year period. In the most stark example, charters - independent public schools dedicated to innovative teaching - excelled significantly in middle school math. However, pilots, which have similar goals but are run by the School Department, performed at slightly lower rates than traditional schools, according to the study. Click here to read the rest of the article...