Mountaineer Undergraduate Research Review
Document Type
Article
Abstract
West Virginia is consistently ranked as one of the worst states in the nation for public K12 education. Many state policymakers have looked to charter schools as a viable solution to rectify deficiencies, create advanced academic opportunities, and give families additional options. However, the implementation of charter schools has been extremely contentious, as opponents fear they will siphon resources away from traditional public schools, only to fail shortly thereafter. Research indicates that neither perspective has been proven true. Thus, the impact that charter schools will have on West Virginia will, to a significant extent, be a result of how they are monitored and held accountable. As such, there are three common problems associated with inadequate charter schools: a lack of financial oversight, unsatisfactory student performance, and the absence of benefits conferred to traditional public schools. To prevent these specific issues and make certain that charter schools fulfill their purpose of enhancing education, §18-5G-1, et seq. of the West Virginia state code should be amended to include the following policies already being successfully utilized in other states: 1) implement strict financial transparency and accountability policies – Ohio; 2) impose unique, rigorous student performance standards – Maryland; and 3) require all charter schools to utilize detailed methods of dissemination for best practices – Massachusetts. Indeed, it is absolutely critical to ensure that West Virginia’s charter school policies will expand academic accessibility, equity, and achievement for all students— not further exacerbate the disparities already undermining public education.
Recommended Citation
Loretta, Giana M.
(2023)
"Analyzing West Virginia’s Public Charter Schools and their Impacts on Education,"
Mountaineer Undergraduate Research Review: Vol. 8, Article 17.
Available at:
https://researchrepository.wvu.edu/murr/vol8/iss1/17