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Charter Schools: Controlling Access and Shaping Enrollment

Todd Turner

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Published in School S Choice: How Charter Schools Control Access And Shape Enrollment

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Charter schools are publicly funded schools that operate independently of traditional public school districts. They are often hailed as a way to improve educational outcomes for students, particularly those in low-income and minority communities. However, a growing body of research suggests that charter schools may be more likely to control access and shape enrollment than traditional public schools.

Controlling Access

School’s Choice: How Charter Schools Control Access and Shape Enrollment

by Maurice Leblanc

5 out of 5

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For example, a study by the Center for Education Policy Research at Harvard University found that charter schools in Massachusetts were more likely to screen out students with disabilities and English language learners than traditional public schools. The study also found that charter schools were more likely to give preference to students from families with higher incomes.

Another study by the University of California, Berkeley found that charter schools in California were more likely to expel students than traditional public schools. The study also found that charter schools were more likely to expel black and Latino students than white students.

Shaping Enrollment

Charter schools can also use their flexibility to shape enrollment in ways that benefit the school. For example, charter schools can offer specialized programs or services that appeal to certain students. They can also market themselves to specific groups of students, such as students from high-performing schools or students with particular interests.

For example, a charter school in New York City offers a specialized program for students who are interested in pursuing a career in the arts. The school has a rigorous audition process, and only a small number of students are admitted each year.

Another charter school in California offers a program for students who are struggling academically. The school provides students with extra support and resources, and it has a high graduation rate.

The Impact of Controlling Access and Shaping Enrollment

Controlling access and shaping enrollment can have a number of negative consequences for students. For example, students who are screened out of charter schools may be more likely to attend lower-performing schools. Students who are expelled from charter schools may be more likely to drop out of school altogether.

In addition, controlling access and shaping enrollment can lead to segregation in charter schools. Charter schools that give preference to students from certain socioeconomic backgrounds may create schools that are more racially and economically segregated than traditional public schools.

Charter schools have more flexibility than traditional public schools in determining who can enroll. This flexibility can be used to control access to the school, either by setting strict academic requirements or by giving preference to students from certain socioeconomic backgrounds. Charter schools can also use their flexibility to shape enrollment in ways that benefit the school, such as by offering specialized programs or services.

Controlling access and shaping enrollment can have a number of negative consequences for students. It can lead to segregation in charter schools, and it can make it more difficult for students who are screened out of charter schools to attend high-performing schools. It is important to be aware of these potential consequences when considering whether or not to send your child to a charter school.

School’s Choice: How Charter Schools Control Access and Shape Enrollment

by Maurice Leblanc

5 out of 5