Charter School Controversy

As reported in the New York Times, a new study is stirring some controversy regarding charter schools. It appears that the schools aren't helping kids excel, at least not initially.

Here is a good overview from NPR radio (where I heard it first): "Students at charter schools are faring worse academically than students at public schools, according to the American Federation of Teachers. An AFT report based on Education Department data says charter schools fall short of solving many problems in educating lower-income children. Hear report co-author Bella Rosenberg, Chester Finn of the Thomas B. Fordham Foundation and NPR's Michele Norris."

From what I can tell from this and other articles, the "experts" contend that charter schools are still an interesting concept, but need to prove their value and are best viewed as a "work in progress". The CS Monitor published a relevant opinion piece on the topic.