The U.S. recession is making improvements on paper but not necessarily on Main Street or in purchasing power, economists said. While the unemployment rate fell in June from 9.5 percent to 9.4 percent, the headlines can be deceiving.

By Shober, Arnold F; Manna, Paul; Witte, John F Using an original and unique database of state charter school laws that we have developed, we analyze how state policymakers have incorporated two key values into state charter school laws: flexibility and accountability.

By Lawrence Mishel and Martin Carnoy For big-city school superintendents, embracing effective charter schools in their districts makes sense. It gives parents and students more options. However, charter schools are unlikely to solve the most important problems facing public education.