- The report by the UNC Center for Civil Rights evaluates the student assignment policy in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools.
- SES composition of schools matters for student achievement and other outcomes.
- CMS data show that concentrated school poverty depresses the academic performance of children who attend these schools.
- High poverty in schools negatively impacts teacher quality.
- CMS teacher turnover rates are substantially higher in poorer schools. High poverty schools exist in CMS although it is a wealthy district.
- SES balancing would eliminate high poverty schools and reduce associated problems.
- Public school assignment based on SES composition can more efficiently use school space–lessen crowding in suburban schools and fully utilize central city schools.
- The report concludes that the current student assignment system in CMS crates a system of “winner” and “loser” schools and that the system is in need of revision.