New state assessment data shows economically disadvantaged students are finding more success at public charter schools

Stock photo of a test

This week’s release of state-level Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP) results is providing some good news for the 44,000 children who attend public charter schools in the state, especially those who are from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

The Tennessee Charter School Center analyzed the annual state testing data and found charter students who are economically disadvantaged posted a 2 percent gain in proficiency rates in English language arts (ELA) and a 3 percent gain in math.

That growth is especially noticeable in Davidson County where TCAP proficiency rates for public charter school students who are economically disadvantaged were 10 percent higher in math and 7 percent higher in ELA than their traditional school counterparts in Metro Nashville Public Schools.

The center’s research into TCAP data found similar success for economically disadvantaged students in the three other school districts with public charter schools.“In fact, it’s exciting to report that economically disadvantaged charter school students in every district where charter schools are authorized saw slightly higher success rates in one or both subjects compared to district averages,” wrote Tennessee Charter School Center Interim CEO Elizabeth Fiveash. “We are pleased to celebrate the hard work and achievements of educators, families, and most of all, the students in Tennessee’s public charter schools.”

The Charter Center’s research found proficiency rates for economically disadvantaged students in Shelby County were two percent higher in math than comparable students in Memphis-Shelby County Schools, while in Hamilton County, ELA proficiency rates were one percent higher than comparable Hamilton County School students. Knox County has only one public charter school and economically disadvantaged students there achieved proficiency rates one percent higher in both math and ELA than comparable students at Knox County Schools.

Charter schools are free public schools operated by an independent contract or “charter” with an authorizing agency. Under Tennessee law they must be operated by a non-profit group and be free and open to all children.