National Alliance for Public Charter Schools Applauds All-STAR Act, and Upcoming Legislative Hearing on February 24 by House Committee on Education

WASHINGTON, Feb. 17 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Alliance for Public Charter Schools announces its support for the House Committee on Education and Labor's February 24 hearing on quality charter schools, and Representative Jared Polis' (D-Colo.) All Students Achieving through Reform (All-STAR) Act, H.R. 4330.

"Over the past year, the Alliance has worked very closely with Rep. Polis on All-STAR," said Nelson Smith, President and CEO, National Alliance for Public Charter Schools.   "It has been unbelievably exciting to see this grow from an idea to a bill now moving through Congress, and hopefully on the path to authorization as part of a reauthorized Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA)."  

All-STAR is one of the National Alliance's top federal legislative priorities, and the organization gratefully acknowledges the leadership of Chairman George Miller (D-Calif.), Rep. Polis (D-Colo.), and the bi-partisan group of co-sponsors who have all lent their support to making this bill become law.  This is the second Education and Labor hearing on public charter schools in the 111th Congress, and shows the Committee's commitment and emphasis on developing the best policies to support quality charter school growth.  Further, it is especially significant, since this will be the first hearing on any ESEA reauthorization proposals, signaling the strong bi-partisan support high quality public charter schools have on Capitol Hill.  

"The National Alliance for Public Charter Schools has been a strong partner in our work on this legislation to expand educational opportunity from day one, and has provided helpful analysis and critical support," said Rep. Polis. "I look forward to continuing to work with the Alliance on All-STAR and other legislative efforts to advance high-quality public charter schools and improve our nation's education system."

Rep. Vernon Ehlers (R-Mich.), the Republican lead, added, "Supporting the replication and expansion of high quality public charter schools is a critical reform we must all stand in strong support of, as we look to improve our nation's public education system and offer parents and children more public school options.  Also, All-STAR pushes states to improve their charter school policies, something Michigan finally did when it lifted its cap to enable the growth of successful charters."

The Committee on Education and Labor has called a legislative hearing on HR 4330 for February 24, and the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools looks forward to supporting the Committee and its efforts to move forward with the passage of HR 4330.  

About the All Students Achieving Through Reform Act: The All Students Achieving through Reform (All-STAR) Act, H.R. 4330, led by Rep. Jared Polis (D-2nd Colo.), expands our nation's commitment to successful and innovative education programs closing the achievement gaps plaguing America's public schools.  The bill creates a new competitive grant program focused on replicating and expanding the most successful charter schools, particularly in areas with large numbers of schools failing to make Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP).   As important, the program will increase the level of accountability for all parties involved in the chartering process, recognizing that increased investments and expectations require increased levels of accountability. 

About the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools: 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 1.5 million students attend nearly 5,000 charter schools in 40 states and the District of Columbia.

SOURCE National Alliance for Public Charter Schools