CER News Alert
(Washington, D.C., 2/21/02) With hostilities mounting toward charter schools in more than half the states that have substantial laws, charter school leaders and founders find themselves fighting an uphill battle to create the accountable schools they promised and to abide by their charters. When obstacles get in the way of good programs, and political leadership in a state is lacking, the burden on individual schools in enormous.
The charter school movement is grateful for the support and aid of the
Administration and the staff at the Department of Education, marked today by a
forward-looking meeting between charter representatives from around the country
and Secretary of Education Rod Paige. Never before has there been such a clear
understanding and interest in this important reform at the top levels of
government. Click here for a full overview of
the meeting (.pdf format).
Yesterday's Supreme Court hearing made clear that in the context of any school choice program, charter schools will always be an important alternative for parents. The Justices continued to probe about the role of charter schools as viable options for children, seeming to rebut the argument made by the unions' attorney that the children in Cleveland have little choice but to attend religious schools. If the Court views charters as viable public choices, then it's important to make the case that any choice program needs the breadth of a robust system of charter schools to provide the constitutional approval that voucher supporters are seeking.
Regardless of the outcome of yesterday's hearing, there has never been a more opportune nor important time for the Department to become even more aggressive in sustaining the charter school movement. The education establishment needs a clear signal that its respectful treatment of charter schools is both welcomed and expected. In addition, as charter schools begin to take their new responsibilities under the No Child Left Behind Act seriously, the Department can work to highlight individual success stories. We hope that the Department will spotlight some of these success stories during the upcoming National Charter Schools Week, April 29-May 3, 2002.
The charter movement stands ready to aid and assist the Secretary in his pursuit of what it really means to leave no child behind. At today's meeting, the Secretary commended efforts of individuals and organizations on behalf of charter schools in their states, and requested additional information on areas of concern and action.
Under Secretary Gene Hickok implored the groups to keep working and to keep in touch with the Department, and to expect a high degree of support and cooperation with charter school from the Department of Education.
The meeting, coordinated by the Center for Education Reform on behalf of
Secretary Paige, lasted approximately two hours and signaled a new openness for
charter schools across the country.
Link to meeting summary (.pdf format).
Link here for a few photos of the meeting.
Charter attendees included:
| Mimi Corcoran Beginning with Children Foundation 900 3rd Avenue, Suite 1801 New York, NY 10022 (212) 750-9320 Wade Dyke Dwight Evans Jim Goenner Donald Hense Claire Howard Sadie Jordan Patrick Kelly Dr. Margaret Briggs Kenney Christi Martin Peter Murphy |
Libby Oshiyama Hawaii Association of Charter Schools 2515 Manoa Rd. Honolulu, HI 96822 (808) 266-7844 or (808) 947-1058 Cindy Zautcke Tom Palumbo Emily Potts Derek Redelman Ronald Russo Susan Schaeffler Paul Seibert Boyce Slayman Evan Rudall |
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The Center for Education Reform is a national, independent, non-profit advocacy organization providing support and guidance to individuals, community and civic groups, policymakers and others who are working to bring fundamental reforms to their schools. For further information, please call (202) 822-9000.
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