Graduation Date
12-2013
Document Type
Master's Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science
Department or Program
Education
Department or Program Chair
Lisa Ray, PhD
First Reader
Debra Polack, MA
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to determine if there is a significant skill level difference between freshmen geometry students who attended charter schools and those who attended noncharter schools during middle school. The study addresses the controversy over charter schools providing better educational outcomes. The literature reviewed focuses on achievement in charter schools, and also discusses the indirect effects charter schools may have on surrounding public schools. The sample includes two cohorts of freshmen geometry students from the 2011- 2012 and 2012-2013 school years, which resulted in a sample size of 115 students. The results show that the difference between the skill levels of charter and non-charter school students is statistically significant; charter school students at the study’s site are less prepared for high school geometry than students coming from the local public middle school. In this study, it appears that charter schools are not creating better educational outcomes, and interventions must be created to fill the skill-level gaps.