Market Differentiation in Instructional Themes and Academic Achievement: Further Evidence From California's Charter School Sector

• In Event: Sheraton Roundtable Session Eleven
  In Roundtable Session: Academic Experiences and Achievement in School Choice and Policy Reform Contexts (Table 1)

Abstract

One way to examine market differentiation in school choice is to review instructional themes. These themes serve the twin goals of setting the focus for school decisions and conveying the unique characteristics of the school to prospective families. However, the relatively scant empirical research examining instructional theme content focuses only on educational approaches in isolation of other charter school characteristics. This study looks at the relationship between instructional themes and academic achievement of charter schools, after controlling for student demographics across the state of California. We find clear evidence of market differentiation in preferences for instructional themes by student demographics and neighborhood characteristics. We also find differences in student achievement depending on the instructional focus of the school.

Authors

• Charisse A. Gulosino, University of Memphis
  Presenting Author

• Jonah Liebert, New York City Department of Education
  Presenting Author