Do Testing Conditions Explain Cyber Charter Schools' Failing Grades?

• In Event: 53.081 - Roundtable Session 21
  In Roundtable Session: 53.081-2 - Online Learning, Achievement, and Innovation in Charter Schools

Abstract

Research finds that cyber charter schools underperform academically relative to traditional public schools, with significantly lower value-added on tested subjects. Our fieldwork suggests that the performance gaps may in part reflect artificial testing conditions experienced by cyber charter school students. We surveyed state education agency officials in 17 states with cyber charter schools. Initial analyses indicate that states in which cyber charter students are tested on schedules at variance with traditional public school testing schedules have lower performing cyber school sectors. We also find that higher cyber school student attrition is associated with lower academic performance. Additional analyses will examine the impacts of testing conditions in two cyber schools within a single state to deepen understanding.

Authors

• Dennis Beck, University of Arkansas at Fayetteville

• Robert A. Maranto, University of Arkansas

• Angela Watson, University of Arkansas