A Descriptive Analysis of Cream-Skimming and Pushout in Choice Versus Traditional Public Schools

• In Event: Navigating and Negotiating Choice in Competitive Educational Marketplaces

Abstract

One of the controversies surrounding charter schools is whether these schools serve all students, particularly more challenging students. Some have expressed concerns that charter schools may either “cream skim” high-ability students from traditional public schools or “pushout” low-performing or poorly-behaving students. In this study, we use longitudinal statewide data from North Carolina and Tennessee and linear probability models to examine whether there is evidence consistent with these selective enrollment practices. We also assess other schools of choice. For charter schools, we do not find patterns in the data consistent with cream skimming, but we do find evidence consistent with pushout behaviors based on discipline records. This behavior does not appear to be tied to accountability-based testing dates.

Authors

• Adam Kho, University of Southern California

• Ron Zimmer, University of Kentucky

• Andrew McEachin, NWEA