It's just not that simple. First, we really don't have a strong valid way of evaluating in our schools. One of the biggest issues we have is the so called experts can't even begin to agree as to the best ways to evaluate students, teachers, or schools. So, very much like quoting studies....we could easily *prove* that either is better or worse. The validity and reliability of the evidence would be suspect. We've known for many years that children learn in many different ways and the antiquated classroom that was designed for a different time is not producing the results we need or want. While we know this, the ability to change the traditional classroom is difficult and extremely limited. Even if you have a really creative teacher, he/she is very limited in what they are able to do in a traditional public classroom. Magnet, charter, vouchers are all about doing things in a different way. Maybe they focus on different things (art, music, math, engineering, etc), they may have a different structure (distance learning, multi-dimensional learning, combination, homeschooling, focused specialty programs, etc).
The bottom line is the system that we have is not working well, we know that. We've known that for many years. So then we try more of the same earlier - still doesn't work. We try to do all sorts of things within that system....not working. We need to change the system. Families have demanded something different and there are enough of them out there who are willing to do what it takes to make the changes they want to see.
Let's think about this, why would people be against parents choosing what they feel is the best education for their children? Why would we think that our government is better able to determine that for us?
As with all things, follow the money trail.
So getting back to your question.....it's sortof like comparing apples to oranges. Are we going to compare ALL public schools performances to ALL of Charter schools? If and when that actually happens, I think people will be very surprised.