This question can be answered when you compare the scores of specific charter schools with the neighboring schools. A recent study from Stanford University determined that for low-income African-American students in charter schools, the 44 extra days of learning in reading and 59 extra days learning in math over their peers in traditional public schools are having a huge impact on student success. According to this study (cited by Jonathan Williams) college readiness among African American high school graduates is 73 percent at charters in LAUSD, as compared with only 20 percent college ready at district schools.

Yes, and this has been answered without the shadow of a doubt by the Stanford CREDO report. And note that the methodology clearly addresses the "apples to apples" issue. Bottom line ON AVERAGE, charter schools do outperform traditional schools in Los Angeles. Does it mean that every charter school is better than every traditional school? Of course not. But there are more charter schools that are better for students (relative to their "equivalent" peers in traditional schools), than charter schools that are worse for students. Charters are particularly good at serving low income students better than traditional schools. And the effect is not minor, it is large!

I teach at a high-performing magnet school now, after 15 years in a neighborhood school, and the difference is remarkable for many reasons: 1) kids know they can be sent back to the "home" school; 2) parents put them there and expect success; 3) many are reading and doing math close to or above grade level; 4) parents overall have more education; 5) fewer English learners; 6) fewer special needs students. Just like a charter school, only public. There is enough variety and choice within LAUSD without adding charters to the mix.

Comparisons between charters and public schools are difficult because public schools serve a higher percentage of special education students, English learners and those with behavior problems. Even with their ability to cherry-pick students, charter schools only performed “roughly 2.5 percent” better on the California Assessment of Student Progress and Performance.

Not a fair question. Some are performing better, some aren't. You can't look at them as a whole. It also isn't apples to apples since charters have to be "applied to" rather than district schools who must accept everyone in their boundaries.