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Kids First

Charter Schools Make Learning Personal

“No two kids are the same. The trick is figuring out what inspires each one. My school empowers me to work with each kid individually, so I can empower them to do their very best.” - Science teacher at Ánimo Watts College Preparatory Academy

Testimonial

Across the state, charter schools are increasing student learning for low-income and minority youth.
  • On average, Latino and African American charter school students are closer to reaching grade-level proficiency than their peers in district schools, and graduate with better access to four-year colleges.
  • African American charter school students are outperforming their district peers in both Math and English Language Arts (ELA).
  • Latino students, socioeconomically disadvantaged students and students with disabilities are outperforming their district peers on ELA and are on par for Math.
  • Data: 2018 CAASPP DATA FROM CA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Research proves charter school students gain extra weeks and months of learning annually.
  • African American charter school students in California’s urban centers gain weeks and months of additional learning. (CREDO, Urban Charter Schools Report, 2015)
  • African American and Latino charter school students (particularly students in poverty) gain extra weeks and months of learning yearly. (CREDO, Charter School Performance in California, 2014)
  • For English Language Learners, the charter school advantage is particularly large and significant, which is not typical in other states. (CREDO, Charter School Performance in California, 2014)
Charter schools provide individualized supports to meet the needs of students with disabilities
  • Charter schools provide greater learning gains for students identified as needing special education support. (CREDO, Charter School Performance in California, 2014)
  • Inclusive learning environments are a strong predictor of student success. 88% of charter students with disabilities are being served in general education classes for more than 80% of their school day, compared to 53% of students with disabilities statewide. (CCSA, Meeting the Needs of Every Student Through Inclusion, 2016)
The Los Angeles charter school sector is one of the strongest in the nation.
  • 2018 CAASPP results show Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) independent charter schools performed better for every measured student group across Math and ELA tests.
  • Independent charter schools make up half of the top 10 schools which had the biggest improvement between 2016-17 and 2017-18.
  • Students with disabilities enrolled in independent LAUSD charter schools outperformed their district peers in Math and ELA and were more likely to graduate. (CA Department of Education, 2017)
  • CREDO research also shows LA charter schools generate extra weeks and months of learning for the majority of students they serve, but in particular for historically disadvantaged student groups. (CREDO, Charter School Performance in Los Angeles, 2014)
Oakland charter school students are outperforming their peers in traditional district schools.
  • 2018 CAASPP data showed charter school students in Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) significantly outperform their district school peers.
  • This difference is especially distinct in English Language Arts results where 44 percent of charter school students met or exceeded grade level standards, compared to only 30 percent of district students. 
  • The top performing school in OUSD is a charter school. Of the top 10 schools in the district, four are charter schools.

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