Our Projects
Statewide Charter School Research
The Challenge
Open-enrollment charter schools in Texas serve a growing and increasingly diverse student population. With hundreds of charter campuses operating across the state — many serving historically underserved student groups — leaders at a state education agency needed to better understand how these schools were performing and where additional oversight or support might be warranted. State leaders sought a multi-year, third-party evaluation to assess the performance, characteristics, and instructional models of Texas charter schools, and to inform future charter authorization, monitoring, and renewal decisions.
Our Support
Gibson, in collaboration with McREL International, led a comprehensive, multi-year evaluation of Texas open-enrollment charter schools. The evaluation focused on answering key questions about school quality, innovation, and outcomes across the charter sector.
Major components of the evaluation included:
Longitudinal analyses of student achievement, attendance, graduation, and postsecondary outcomes using a longitudinal data system;
Comparative analysis of charter and traditional public schools serving similar student populations;
In-depth case studies of innovative charter school models, instructional strategies, and school design;
Surveys and interviews with charter school leaders and educators to gather qualitative insights on mission, culture, and implementation challenges;
Exploration of charter authorizing practices and campus renewal processes.
Results
The evaluation produced a series of evidence-based findings and recommendations to guide policy and practice, including:
Student Outcomes: Many charter schools serving at-risk populations demonstrated positive academic growth, with several outperforming traditional public schools in key metrics such as STAAR performance and high school graduation rates.
Innovative Practices: Case studies highlighted unique instructional approaches and school cultures, including project-based learning models, restorative discipline practices, and extended learning time.
Operational Challenges: The evaluation identified common barriers, such as limited access to facilities funding, high teacher turnover, and inconsistent access to specialized student supports.
Authorizer Tools: The study provided tools and data visualizations to help strengthen charter school authorizing, monitoring, and renewal.
All reports and briefs were publicly posted to enhance transparency and inform broader conversations about charter school accountability and innovation. The work also provided foundational data for ongoing grant evaluations and charter school strategic planning.
Learn More
Full evaluation reports, summaries, and tools can be accessed via the state education agency website: Texas Charter School Program Evaluation Portal