Project Overview
Factors Influencing Charter School Outcomes
Department(s)
Economics
Abstract
The issue of school choice continues to be a contentious policy debate in the United States. Charter schools, which receive public funding but often operate with exemptions from certain state or local regulations, offer flexibility and autonomy that could foster innovation in school models and teaching methods. However, critics argue that this autonomy may make them more susceptible to financial mismanagement and high turnover rates. As of the 2021-22 school year, approximately eight percent of students nationwide are enrolled in charter schools.
This project will study the factors influencing charter school outcomes. One set of analysis will combine data on state laws governing charter schools and charter school outcomes to examine the role of state laws in the entry of charter schools, charter school turnover, and student performance. Another set of analysis will use a unique data set from a charter school incubator, which offers a fellowship program for recipients who proposes to start a charter school in a high-need neighborhood. We will analyze predictors of charter school success.
Student RAs will contribute by collecting and cleaning data, writing data descriptions, conducting literature reviews, and performing statistical analyses.
Student Qualifications
Stata, Excel.
Number of Student Researchers
2 students
Project Length
10 weeks