A Review of the Research on Charter Schools

The major research areas over the last decade have focused largely on assessing how the implementation of charter schools compares with the original theory. This review examines whether charter schools are autonomous, innovative, accountable, and equitable. The review looks at existing evidence about outcomes of students enrolled in charter schools and the broader effects of charter schools on public education. The review provides a foundation for future work that will examine in greater depth the role charter schools may play in educational reform.