News Alert

(July 15, 1999) Do charter schools improve public education? For the first time solid evidence shows the impact charter schools are having and the influence that they are brining to their traditional public school counterparts. The Center for Education Reform (CER) explores this impact with the release of Charter Schools: A Progress Report, Part III: The Ripple Effect – A Cresting Wave.

        By September 1999 more than 1,400 charter schools will be operating in 33 states and Washington, DC. Thirty-seven charter laws have now been enacted. "In The Ripple Effect – A Cresting Wave, CER provides dozens of examples of tangible effects charter schools have had on their host districts," said Jeanne Allen, President of CER. "From curriculum changes, to private partnerships, to uniforms and longer school days, to innovative course offerings, to new business practices, charter schools have changed the face of U.S. education and have tipped the balance toward real and lasting reform for children," said Jeanne Allen, President of CER.

        Following are examples of the ripple effect charter schools have made:

• Responding to the popularity of two charter schools in the Duluth (MN) school district, the rest of the Duluth system has adopted several of the charter schools most successful features including a longer school day, upgraded technology, and special reading and math programs.

• In Mesa, Arizona the school district has launched a major advertising campaign to win back some of the 5,000 students currently enrolled in local charter schools.

• San Carlos charter schools have been credited with making the district more entrepreneurial. A school board member has commented "innovations undertaken by the charter school are like viral infections in the body of the district. They’re spreading themselves around."

• The Los Angeles Unified School district revised its purchasing system based on the effective practices of the principal of a converted charter school.

        In some communities, even just the threat of charter schools is creating reform. Many school districts have dramatically changed the way they do business faced with impending competition from a charter school coming into the district. In addition to the dozens examples of anecdotal evidence, CER also cites numerous studies that demonstrate a positive ripple effect.

        The Ripple Effect – A Cresting Wave is part three of a four-part series CER is producing on the effect charters have had on the educational scene. Part I: Achievement explores the effect charters have had on their students; Part II: The Closures explores the accountability aspect of charters and how when charters fail to meet expectations, under-perform, and not serve those they have pledged to serve, they will be closed. Part IV: The Obstacles will examine the challenges faced by charter schools threatening their presence on the educational scene.

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The most recent versions of CER's Charter Progress Reports, as well as the results of CER's 1998-1999 Charter School Survey and other charter school information have been compiled in Charter Schools Today: Changing the Face of American Education. Check out the executive summary and selected excerpts on-line. Order the full report on our publications page, or by calling CER at (202) 822-9000.

The Center for Education Reform is a national, independent, non-profit advocacy organization providing support and guidance to individuals, community and civic groups, policymakers and others who are working to bring fundamental reforms to their schools. For additional information on school choice or education reform please call CER at (202) 822-9000.

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