The New York Times is making a habit of putting charter schools on the front page. But unlike previous (planted) attempts at negative propaganda, last weekend’s “Despite Push, Success at Charter Schools is Mixed” shouldn’t be a call to the barricades. In fact, the piece was quite fair. It’s true that there are some great charters—backed by strong philanthropic support—lots of mediocre ones, and too many low-performers. The data back this up. Furthermore, replication is difficult. None of this is news or rocket science. Let’s put down our bayonets and go back to work.
“Despite Push, Success at Charter Schools is Mixed,” by Trip Gabriel, New York Times, May 1, 2010