The book compares the standardized test scores of both elementary and high schoolscharter schools with the scores for regular public schools located nearby. It examines theposition supported by charter school advocates that charter schools should be supportedbecause they outperform regular public schools. Given that charter schools in Chicago haveenjoyed a great deal of support from the past two mayors, and that they make up some 20%of all public schools in the city, Chicago is the perfect location in which to examine thiscritical issue. Charter schools siphon money and in theory better students from regular public schools at a time when public schoolsin almost every big city faces financial difficulties. Teachers unions oppose them, as do most liberal scholars. Conservatives and big business support them, as do most conservative scholars. The existence of charter schools is amost divisive issue! Yet, little real data exist to allow us to properly judge the effectiveness of charters. The currentwork changes that by examining test data in a sophisticated manner that allows comparisons between charters andregular schools. This work should move the debate forward, but will no doubt generate controversy as well. | Chicago Charter Schools by William A. Sampson, Paperback | Indigo Chapters