All told, about 15 percent of the 6,700 charter schools that have been launched in the United States in the past two decades have since closed, primarily because of financial troubles, according to the Center for Education Reform, which supports charter schools.

CER President Jeanne Allen, along with others in the education reform arena, comments on the policies and positions of the presidential candidates.

School finance, testing, and local control are among hot issues as Superintendent races draw near in Indiana, North Carolina, Montana, and North Dakota.

"In states like this, the assumption is all is well. The reality is they've simply been going through the motions for years, and the result is a kind of Third World education status."

A list of Parent Power Index mentions in the media.

Engler, a three-term governor who oversaw the start of charter schools and school choice opportunities in the state, is discussing the growth of private companies in American public education at the event, hosted by the Center for Education Reform and SABIS, an international education provider.

“So far I've heard they both want to improve skills—Romney wants to make schools better—his words—and Obama wants to invest, do more Race to the Top [grants], hire math and science [teachers]. Thousands of flowers blooming organically versus lots blooming in one growing field might be one way look at it,” CER President Jeanne Allen…

Not coincidentally, 78 percent of the nation’s charter schools are in states with multiple authorizers, or a strong appeals process, according to the Center for Education Reform.

The Center for Education Reform's website urges viewers to launch their own charter schools to compete with public schools. "You don't need a PhD or a teaching degree to start a school," the center's website advises. "Remember, you can do it now."

CER president Jeanne Allen discusses school choice, education reform, and the new film "Won't Back Down" with Rod Arquette on Salt Lake City's KNRS.