Charter school successes

A few years ago, charter schools were creating quite a buzz in both education and political circles. Failing urban school districts were struggling with poor test results in key subjects, high dropout rates and serious discipline problems.

The Missouri Legislature, like elected officials in many other states, authorized charter schools, which are public schools run by boards independent of public school districts and funded by the state. Parents of children in charter schools do not pay tuition.

Charter schools have long been regarded by supporters as providing the competitive challenge needed to improve educational opportunities for students in poor-performing districts. Charter schools have been successful in some cities, but not in all of them. Nationally, more than 1.4 million students attend more than 4,600 charter schools. New Orleans and Washington, D.C., have the highest percentage of students in charter schools (55 percent and 31 percent).

Charter schools in Missouri have had mixed results. Some St. Louis efforts haven't fared so well. But in Kansas City, charter schools are adding students every year. This year, 23 percent of the students in the Kansas City School District are attending charter schools, up about 800 students for a total of 7,000.

Public school officials say there is a perception that students get a better education at charter schools, but standardized mandatory tests show charter schools match or fall below scores at public schools. A better explanation for the popularity of charter schools may be the tough discipline and more parental involvement.

Urban school districts still have a long way to go in turning around their performance as measured by the ability of students to read and successfully pass tests on subject matter, along with student retention and graduation rates. But well-run charter schools are demonstrating some of the potential for inner-city education.