Charter Schools: Do They Work for Troubled Students?

Abstract

Five years ago, the author examined the extent and quality of education to students with disabilities in Texas's public charter schools. Many schools were designated "at-risk" because of the percentage of enrolled students who met the state's at-risk criteria. Students with learning disabilities and behavioral disorders made up the majority of those in special education. The author reviews findings from the early research and presents updated, comparative data concerning the status of students with special needs in today's charter schools.

Keywords:

• at-risk
• challenging behaviors
• charter schools
• disabilities
• special education