Research finds that promoting virtual charter schools is a poor policy response

In the context of pandemic-related virtual learning transitions, Brookings researchers summarized their recent publication comparing student achievement (as measured by test scores) in Indiana virtual charter schools and traditional in-person public schools. Using longitudinal education data, the authors found that attending a virtual charter school has clear and consistent negative effects on math and language scores. When they compared in-person charter schools to traditional public schools, there was no difference in achievement. While this work pre-dates the pandemic, the authors raise concerns about expanding virtual charter schools during the pandemic as a policy response, despite Education Secretary Betsy DeVos’s pursuit of this strategy. #covid-19 #education