Reply #10: As I understand it,

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

people must apply to go to a charter school. Right away that means that either the parents or the students must be motivated to want what they perceive to be a better education. So right away you are comparing apples to oranges. I've taught in public and private schools, and the difference in parental interest/involvement with their kids is marked. According to one website I found (which is pro-charter schools), fewer of them (6.5%) are failing than public schools (11%). But then I don't know that those charter schools were required to take in anyone who walked through the door, including kids whose parents were druggies, abusive, and who could care less about their kids.

Anyway, you can read for yourself here:

http://www.edreform.com/index.cfm?fuseAction=document&documentID=886