Just like Washington and the rest of the nation, educators in Boston want to close the achievement gap in their state. And by taking action and opening up charter schools and innovative pilot schools, a recent report issued by The Boston Foundation (TBF) shows they have made progress.

The most positive results on student achievement were found in charter schools, according to the report. Nonetheless, the innovative pilot schools provide another high quality choice for parents, when it comes to their student’s education. Allowing students to attend pilot schools, means districts won’t lose money, which is what happens when students leave their district to attend charter schools elsewhere.

From The Boston Foundation report:

“The researchers found that charter middle schools eliminated half the black-white achievement gap in math… This study provides further support for the idea that the unique type of autonomy provided by charter schools can make the difference in getting results for kids”.

While charter schools are not yet an option here in Washington, it’s important that we explore all options that will improve our public school system. And quite possibly, pilot schools might be a step closer to fixing the achievement gap in our state.