A recent Progressive Policy Institute report examines the impact of charter schools on students in traditional district schools. It highlights a graph depicting a strong link between charter school enrollment and a decrease in the achievement gap for low-income students in selected cities. However, a correlation analysis using the report's data reveals a weak relationship (r = 0.4). While the report recognizes that correlations do not indicate causation, it still argues that charter schools alone improve the academic achievement of non-enrolled students. The report is flawed for two reasons: It falsely portrays a strong relationship between the presence of charter schools and decreases in the achievement gap, and its policy recommendations are based on an enormous, unsubstantiated leap. The report should be discredited as a valid contribution to policy.

Suggested Citation: Garcia, D.R. (2024). NEPC review: Searching for the tipping point: Scaling up public school choice spurs citywide gains. Boulder, CO: National Education Policy Center. Retrieved [date] from http://nepc.colorado.edu/review/charter-achievement