White House message renews commitment to education reform under Race to the Top  

WASHINGTON, July 29 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Alliance for Public Charter Schools today released the following statement from president and CEO, Peter Groff. This statement is in response to President Obama's remarks to the National Urban League's 100th Anniversary Convention:

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"The National Alliance applauds President Obama for voicing support for high-quality public charter schools and standing by his education agenda including the Race to the Top competition.  His plan to improve public education includes expanding the number of high-quality public charter schools and a campaign pledge to double funding for the Charter Schools Program.

As the President affirmed, charter schools are independent public schools developed as partnerships between parents, teachers and civic leaders. As such, they are able to design cutting-edge programs that prepare students for the global economy. They are allowed this freedom to be innovative while being held accountable for improved student achievement.

The Obama Administration and the U.S. Department of Education understand the potential high-quality public charter schools have to bring great teachers to every student and to bring all communities a public school that is held accountable for delivering a quality education. According to the U.S. Department of Education Institute of Education Sciences 2007-2008 Schools and Staffing Survey, charter schools serve a higher percentage of low-income, African-American and Latino students who are often underserved in traditional public schools. Charter schools are already working in many communities to close the achievement gap for these students. That is why states supporting high-quality charter schools are given points toward earning Race to the Top grants. It is also why two of the four options for improving perpetually failing schools move students into high-quality public charter schools.

We commend the President for recognizing the urgent need for education reform and steadfastly defending high-quality public charter schools. The Obama Administration deserves our support as we build greater accountability into our schools and better public school opportunities for our nation's children."

The National Alliance for Public Charter Schools (http://www.publiccharters.org) is the national nonprofit organization committed to advancing the charter school movement. The Alliance works to increase the number of high-performing charter schools available to all families, particularly low-income and minority families who currently do not have access to quality public schools. The Alliance provides assistance to state charter school associations and resource centers, develops and advocates for improved public policies, and serves as the united voice for this large and diverse movement. More than 1.6 million students attend nearly 5,000 charter schools in 40 states and the District of Columbia.

SOURCE National Alliance for Public Charter Schools

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