The Impact of Charter Schools on the Public Education System in the United States
Session Title
Education and the College Experience
Faculty Mentor
Ginger Williams, Ph.D.
College
College of Arts and Sciences
Department
Interdisciplinary Studies
Abstract
The topic of this paper is the effects of charter schools on public education. Public school in the United States is in decline. It is rarely equitable for all students, although that is one of the goals of public schools. All students should be able to receive a good education and be able to seek higher education if that is something they want to pursue. Some proponents of charter schools argue that charter schools improve student achievement and student outcomes. While there is some evidence to prove that, there is also evidence that proves there is little improvement. There have been mixed results depending on the location of the schools. As of 2019, there were 3.4 million students in the United States enrolled in public charter schools, accounting for approximately 7.5% of public school students. About 35% of charter school students are white, and they make up the largest demographic within charter schools. The research question is “How do charter schools affect the funding, resources, and diversity and inclusion of public education in America?” The two disciplines used to research this topic are education and sociology. Education scholars can offer insight into policies and provide firsthand accounts of the state of public education in the United States. Sociology can offer insights into how inequality and inequity in schools affect students as a group and how charter schools affect students, teachers, and students’ families. Although there is some evidence that charter schools may improve student performance, they tend to have fewer resources for students with disabilities, lower levels of diversity and inclusion, and siphon funding away from traditional public schools.
Course Assignment
IDVS 490 – Williams
Previously Presented/Performed?
Winthrop University Showcase of Undergraduate Research and Creative Endeavors, Rock Hill, SC, April 2023.
Type of Presentation
Oral presentation
Start Date
15-4-2023 12:00 PM
The Impact of Charter Schools on the Public Education System in the United States
The topic of this paper is the effects of charter schools on public education. Public school in the United States is in decline. It is rarely equitable for all students, although that is one of the goals of public schools. All students should be able to receive a good education and be able to seek higher education if that is something they want to pursue. Some proponents of charter schools argue that charter schools improve student achievement and student outcomes. While there is some evidence to prove that, there is also evidence that proves there is little improvement. There have been mixed results depending on the location of the schools. As of 2019, there were 3.4 million students in the United States enrolled in public charter schools, accounting for approximately 7.5% of public school students. About 35% of charter school students are white, and they make up the largest demographic within charter schools. The research question is “How do charter schools affect the funding, resources, and diversity and inclusion of public education in America?” The two disciplines used to research this topic are education and sociology. Education scholars can offer insight into policies and provide firsthand accounts of the state of public education in the United States. Sociology can offer insights into how inequality and inequity in schools affect students as a group and how charter schools affect students, teachers, and students’ families. Although there is some evidence that charter schools may improve student performance, they tend to have fewer resources for students with disabilities, lower levels of diversity and inclusion, and siphon funding away from traditional public schools.
