While all New York public schools improved, those energized with Edison's research-based tools and systems often showed the highest gains. The success of Edison's New York schools, all of which are charter schools, exemplify the gains made by many public charter schools in the state. As noted in a recent release by the New York Charter Schools Association, "New York's charter schools continue to do a better job of improving student performance than their host districts." With approximately 3,850 students enrolled in its New York public charters, Edison's enrollment represents over 25 percent of charter school students in the state (New York has approximately 14,900 charter school students).

"We are simply ecstatic about these New York results," said Chief Education Officer John Chubb. "NYSTP gains by all New York schools, and our Edison schools in particular, evidence truly astounding progress. Many more children are meeting state standards and continuing to make substantial progress against difficult odds. While these schools still have some distance toward reaching the high levels expected of them, these gains are encouraging signs that these schools are absolutely on the right path. We are so proud of all our New York administrators, teachers, and students for their continuing hard work, focus, and dedication to achievement."

Among Edison's top-performing New York schools, Riverhead Charter School fourth-graders achieved a spectacular 29 percent one-year gain in math versus a ten percent gain by the Riverhead School District. Stepping Stone Academy Charter School fourth-graders made a substantial 18 percent one-year gain and Charter School for Applied Technologies achieved a 29 percent one-year gain versus a 12 percent gain by the Buffalo district. New Covenant Charter School fourth-graders made an outstanding 26 percent one-year gain versus a gain of eight percent by the Albany school district. Charter School of Science and Technology fourth- and eighth-grades made an overall one-year average gain of 20 percent versus an overall average gain by the Rochester school district of five percent.

"These strong scores are the combined result of the hard work of students, teachers and administrators and the careful implementation of the truly effective Edison program," observed Riverhead Charter School Board President Steve Charkow. "We are overjoyed by these wonderful results and believe that by continuing our hard work, focus and strong partnership with Edison Schools, our students will continue to achieve."

Edison's strong showing in math standards complements its strong performance on the English Language Arts (ELA) portion of the NYSTP. The average overall increase of students meeting or exceeding standards among Edison fourth graders was 17 percent in comparison to a 3 percent increase for elementary schools across the state. Edison eighth-graders saw a 16 percent overall average increase in percent of students meeting or exceeding standards.

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