Survey by the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools: Mississippians Overwhelmingly Favor More Public Education Options

Support for greater options is universally strong across racial and economic groups

WASHINGTON, Feb. 23 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- More than eight in 10 Mississippi voters (83 percent) favor providing parents with more public school options according to a public opinion survey released today by the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools. The survey also confirmed this strong support for more public education options is higher for African-Americans (88 percent), low-income voters (89 percent), Democrats (87 percent), and those who live in the Delta/Hills region (85 percent). In addition, by an almost four-to-one margin (51 percent to 13 percent), Mississippi voters believe that providing more options would improve, rather than harm the public school system.

The new survey data comes at a time when the Mississippi legislature is considering legislation that would allow charter schools -- independent, innovative public schools that are held accountable for improved student achievement -- to open in Mississippi. Mississippi is only one of 11 states nationwide that does not currently allow charter schools.

The survey also found that Mississippians support many of the attributes of charter schools that differentiate them from traditional public schools, including: providing a more structured learning environment, more student discipline, and requiring more parental involvement (94 percent); holding students, teachers, and parents accountable for improving student achievement (90 percent); and rewarding high quality teachers with higher pay (88 percent).

"The results of this survey clearly show that, by wide margins, Mississippi voters are looking for better public school options and greater choice when it comes to their kids' education," said Todd Ziebarth, Vice President for Policy at the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools. "When presented with a chance to choose the attributes that they would most like to see in Mississippi's schools, voters overwhelmingly favored characteristics most commonly found in charter schools."

"These poll results clearly demonstrate that the citizens of Mississippi are ready to embrace charter schools and major change in how education is delivered in the state," said Kevin P. Chavous, Chair-elect of the Black Alliance for Educational Options. "It is time for the political leadership of the state to be bold and support a charter school bill that works for parents and children."

In addition, the survey found that 76 percent of respondents, regardless of race or economic status, favored the development of unique plans to close the achievement gap between white and minority students. Charter schools across the country have been found to be especially proficient at using innovative strategies to close achievement gaps.

The Mississippi House Education Committee will be holding a hearing this week on legislation that would allow charter schools in the state. The Education Committee must act on such legislation by March 2.

The survey of more than 500 registered Mississippi voters was conducted in February by the Glover Park Group, a strategic communications firm based in Washington, DC on behalf of the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools.

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 1.6 million students attend nearly 5,000 charter schools in 39 states and the District of Columbia.

SOURCE National Alliance for Public Charter Schools