This debut edition of Hopes, Fears, & Reality takes up issues and controversies that have characterized the discussion over charter schools. This chapter provides a fresh perspective on the controversy over the academic performance of charter schools, concluding that the results of achievement research are not as clear as either side of the charter “dustup” would claim. The essay points to data limitations and methodological challenges that stand in the way of definitive research, and suggests how combinations of studies can address questions that no one study can adequately address.
