Structured charter schools have great potential to improve the performance of learners, especially when they combine strong academic programs with excellent delivery of teaching and support services.
Over 8000 public charter schools operate across the United States, serving over 3.7 million at-risk or low-income students (about 8% of the public-school population), according to the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools.
Although they only serve a small percentage of public school learners in the country, you might be wondering how structured charter schools compare with traditional public schools in terms of student academic performance. They stand out because of their emphasis on consistent routines, focused academic programs, and clear rules, a development that has led many researchers, educators, and parents to question whether these schools do indeed lead to better student outcomes.
What Are Structured Charter Schools?
Charter schools are created under a contract (charter) with a state, county, or other local authority. They're publicly funded, cannot charge any fees, and are given the leeway to operate independently.
This means they have more flexibility in the development of learning programs, teaching methods, staff management, and the running of the school.
While largely similar to other types of charter schools, structured charter schools typically use project-based learning and flexible seating and often specialize in a learning field, such as STEM or the arts.
How Structured Learning in Charter Schools Matters for Student Performance
Education researchers have taken a keen interest in the performance of learners in structured or "no excuses" charter schools, conducting multiple studies in recent years.
For example, in one meta-analysis of the experimental evidence on student achievement published in the Journal of School Choice, the findings were telling. Charter schools were observed to increase student math and literacy achievement by 0.25 and 0.17 for each attendance year.
In structured charter schools, especially those that focus on a specific learning area, students receive consistent instruction over several years. Take an example of a school that specializes in arts education.
Learners are not required to pursue STEM subjects, so they can spend their entire study time on their chosen arts programs. Learner selection is another factor that gives structured charter schools an edge in delivering better student outcomes.
An art-focused charter school can admit students who are only interested in pursuing a career in the arts. These students will be better suited to excelling in the school's programs.
Finally, structured charter schools like the Laveen Legacy Traditional Campus ensure learners are immersed in a learning environment that supports exploration and character development from day one.
Structured Charter Schools Prime Students for Success
Charter schools play an important role in the development of K-12 learners in the United States. Evidence shows structured school impact cannot be ignored.
Charter schools are better-positioned to improve student performance. Their emphasis on designing programs that meet the needs of every learner, combined with the flexibility to deploy teaching methods that focus on allowing for greater creativity and independence, goes a long way in helping them achieve better education outcomes.
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