A Good Investment: The Updated Productivity of Public Charter Schools in Eight U.S. Cities

Authors

Corey A. DeAngelis, Cato InstituteFollow
Patrick J. Wolf, University of Arkansas, FayettevilleFollow
Larry D. Maloney, Aspire ConsultingFollow
Jay F. May, EduAnalytics, LLCFollow

Document Type

Report

Publication Date

4-2019

Keywords

Merits, downsides, school choice programs

Abstract

In 2015-16, the United States spent over $660 billion on its public education system in hopes of providing children with greater opportunities to excel academically and to improve their life trajectories. While public education dollars have risen at a relatively fast pace historically, future challenges, including underfunded pension liabilities, suggest policymakers should economize wherever possible. Meanwhile, the number of public charter schools has increased exponentially. From 1991 to 2018, charter school legislation passed in 44 states and the nation’s capital, and student enrollment in charters increased to around 3.2 million.

Citation

DeAngelis, C. A., Wolf, P. J., Maloney, L. D., & May, J. F. (2019). A Good Investment: The Updated Productivity of Public Charter Schools in Eight U.S. Cities. School Choice Demonstration Project. Retrieved from https://scholarworks.uark.edu/scdp/79