It’s been five years since the law creating charter schools in Indiana passed, but the jury is still out on the effectiveness of charter schools, according to a recent Indianapolis Star article. In fact, according to one study on state standardized tests, charter schools often fare worse than traditional public schools. Certainly not the bill of goods sold to the people of Indianapolis. But is this study fair?

All schools face the same problems, whether public, charter, or private. Charter school proponents make a good point when they say that charter schools targeting students that struggle at public schools would not test as well. At the same time, private schools that can selectively admit their students would likely test better.

What does this all mean for charter schools? As everyone seems to agree, it is still too early to tell. Further studies are needed, especially comparisons of student demographics specific to charter school populations. Charter schools may not be the answer for all, but they could be effective for many students.