Nine More Race to the Top States Need to Prioritize Public Charter Schools

National Alliance for Public Charter Schools Supports $200 Million for Supporting High-Quality Charter Schools

WASHINGTON, June 6, 2011 /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 the U.S. Department of Education announcement that nine more states will receive $200 million in Race to the Top funding.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110126/DC36825LOGO)

"We support the U.S. Department of Education in their commitment to galvanizing education reform through the Race to the Top grant competition. While the announcement of $200 million to be shared between nine states represents a smaller investment, we are encouraged that it will still be applied rigorously to support the growth of high-quality charter schools.

"Of the nine states to share this $200 million, several have shown outstanding commitment to supporting the growth of high-quality charter schools. Specifically, California, Colorado, and Louisiana have charter school laws which rank in the top ten for the nation. Arizona and Pennsylvania rank 11th and 12th respectively. Illinois, New Jersey and South Carolina have charter school laws that are somewhat supportive of public charter schools and will hopefully use funds to further improve the support system for charter schools in these states.

"Kentucky stands out as the only applicant yet to pass a charter school law.  Given that supporting charter schools was a specific guideline under the Race to the Top competition guidelines, we look forward to seeing Kentucky commit to allowing the creation of charter schools. Despite education reform efforts that may exist in Kentucky, this state is keeping high-quality charter schools from bringing parents another public school option.

"We hope that the secretary will use this opportunity to reaffirm that the benefits sought in the original Race to the Top applications, including ensuring successful conditions for high-performing schools and other innovative schools, are as fully realized as possible.  This includes following the lead set by states like Massachusetts, Ohio, and Rhode Island by requiring that the eight eligible states with charter schools ensure that those schools are equitably included in any sub-grant opportunities provided to local education agencies.

"We look forward to working with any state committed to supporting the growth of high-quality charter schools. As states apply for this round of grants ranging from $10 million to $50 million, we expect public charter schools will remain a priority for work within Race to the Top scope of work."

The National Alliance for Public Charter Schools (NAPCS) is the national nonprofit organization committed to advancing the charter school movement. The NAPCS works to increase the number of high-performing charter schools available to all families, particularly low-income and underserved 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.

Available Topic Expert(s): For information on the listed expert(s), click appropriate link.

Peter C. Groff

http://www.profnetconnect.com/PeterC_Groff

SOURCE National Alliance for Public Charter Schools