Evidence of the positive effects of charter schools appeared in two recent articles. The Dayton Daily News reported that the dropout rate in Montgomery County was cut in half between 2000 and 2005, falling from 25.6% to 12.3% That is an impressive accomplishment, and it is the result of the county’s Out of School Task Force, a network of programs linked to charter schools. Compare that to Lucas County, where the dropout rate remained at about 24%. (See “School dropout percentage cut,” by Jim Bebbington, Dayton Daily News, February 8, 2006)
The Wall Street Journal reported that an Arkansas town used its formation of charter schools to show Toyota its commitment to keeping a trained workforce. The auto company now plans an engine plant there. (See "As Detroit Slashes Car Jobs, Southern Towns Pick Up Slack," by Norihiko Shirouzu, Wall Street Journal, February 1, 2006)