| This dissertation evaluates the differences between charter schools and traditional public schools and how these differences influence teachers and students. The first essay examines different methods for evaluating student achievement in charter schools and traditional public schools and the difficulties in disentangling the effect of charter schools from unobservable student background characteristics. In the second essay, I evaluate whether charter schools are influencing student's non-cognitive abilities. Specifically, I determine whether attending charter schools affects students' number of absences, tardies, and suspensions. Finally, the third essay examines whether charter schools are attracting and retaining more effective teachers than traditional public schools. In sum, this three essay dissertation provides valuable information to policymakers and educators on how local and state charter school policies and contexts are influencing teachers and students. |
