A Tale of Two Systems: Choice and Equity in the District of Columbia's Charter Schools

• In Event: Charter School Leadership and Governance

Abstract

Proponents of school choice reform often argue it will improve access to high-quality schools, particularly for historically marginalized communities. To evaluate this assumption, we employ a sequential mixed-methods analysis assessing the current state of charter school reform in the District of Columbia. Drawing on stakeholders, we observe a consistent emphasis on equity as uniformity of process, evident in centralized information and enrollment procedures. Simultaneously, we find persistent spatial and racial disparities in where charter students live versus learn. We conclude that race-neutral conceptions of equity hinder the progressive redistribution of students. These conceptions undervalue challenges like transportation that reflect structural inequalities tied to race and income, and they overlook privileged households’ efforts to remain separate within systems of choice.

Authors

• Andrew Eisenlohr, University of the District of Columbia

• Katrina E. Bulkley, Montclair State University

• Kate Kennedy, University of Southern California

• Julie A. Marsh, University of Southern California