Differences in Academic Performance between Elementary Charter Schools and Traditional Public Schools

Abstract

In this study, the degree to which differences were present in reading for Grade 3 students; in reading and writing for Grade 4 students; and in reading and science for Grade 5 students between charter and traditional elementary public schools in Texas was determined. Participants in this study were Grades 3, 4, and 5 students who took the 2015 State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness Reading, Writing, and Science tests. Grade 3, 4, and 5 students who were enrolled in traditional public schools had statistically significantly higher reading, mathematics, writing, and science scores than did students enrolled in charter schools. Implications of these results are provided.