Families with children in failing schools would be “empowered” to convert their traditional public school into a charter school under a bill that cleared a state Senate committee. Jeanne explains how the law puts parents back in the drivers seat.

Article discusses Stanford University studies that have met extensive opposition from individuals and institutions throughout the educational community. CER notes that charter schools are not comparable to similar public schools for many reasons, but studies show positive achievement and that charter schools do work. By Josh Cotton The Times Observer October 7, 2011 The bottom…

Gov. Chris Christie’s administration only approves four out of nearly 60 charter school applications. Jeanne Allen discusses how the administration is being too cautious, and inconsistent with the governor’s philosophy, when there are tens of thousands of students stuck in low-performing schools. She also points out that New Jersey is sending the message that local…

Michigan’s legislature is looking to make it easier to for out-of-state companies to charter schools. CER’s Alison Consoletti explains that Michigan is already one of the friendliest charter states, but raising the cap on university-authorized charters will be a plus.

The D.C. Public Education Finance Reform Commission has begun exploring the issue of equity among traditional and charter schools. Jeanne Allen describes that while D.C. is better than other when approximating equity for charter schools it still has a long way to go.

ABC News takes a look at the GOP presidential field and their stance on education reform. Jeanne Allen explains that a Mitt Romney or Chris Christie administration would provide the most balance between federal and state roles in education.

As New Jersey seeks to expand its charter school offerings, questions are being raised about the oversight of the states’ charter schools. CER’s Jeanne Allen explains that the DOE can become burdened in its oversight as it focuses on areas outside of their core focus.

The U.S. House of Representatives has approved legislation aimed at expanding and promoting charter schools throughout the country. CER provides background details about charter schools in New Hampshire and Maine including the size of the state’s waitlist.

The mean SAT reading score for 2011 seniors fell 3 points from 2010 and results showed that only 43 percent of college-bound seniors are likely to achieve a B- or higher during the first year of college. CER’s Jeanne Allen articulates the sentiment of many people regarding this year’s results.

"No one in Washington has more political capital than Barack Obama," says Jeanne Allen, president of the Center for Education Reform, a Washington D.C., nonprofit that advocates for changes in public K-12 education. "All he has to do is to say two simple sentences. First, 'I support anyone who gives D.C. parents more options and…