Fourth graders in traditional public schools did significantly better in reading and math than comparable children attending charter schools, according to a report released on Tuesday by the Federal Education Department. The report, based on 2003 test scores, thrust the Education Department into the center of the heated national debate over school choice. It also drew a barrage of criticism from supporters of charter schools, the fastest-growing sector in public education, who sent out press statements casting doubt on the report’s methodology and findings even before they were announced. (New York Times ^[1], Wednesday)

Don't confuse charter schools with separation of school and state.

FEE Timely Classic
Knowledge, Ignorance, and Government Schools ^[2] by Sheldon Richman