By 2007, more than 950 charter schools, some of them nearly 15 years old, were operating in 13 SREB states, with enrollments approaching 350,000 students. This report explores how the achievement of charter school students in certain SREB states compares with the achievement of traditional public school students, and it examines roles of statewide data systems and state-level policies in establishing and maintaining effective charter schools. The goals that this report reflects include: (1) School-by-school accountability systems are focused on results; and (2) Performance gaps in meeting state standards are closed school by school and for groups of students within each school. A section entitled, "Charter School Authorizing Agencies in SREB States," is appended. [This report was prepared with the assistance of Joan Lord.]