Press Releases

House Education and the Workforce Committee Chairman John Kline (R-MN) and Senior Democrat George Miller (D-CA) today introduced the Success and Opportunity through Quality Charter Schools Act (H.R. 10), legislation to encourage the growth and expansion of quality charter schools.

“I had the opportunity yesterday to visit two exceptional charter schools in Minnesota: Global Academy and Aspen Academy. Through conversations and classroom visits with students, parents, and teachers, I saw firsthand the remarkable progress that can happen when we encourage creativity, flexibility, and choice in education,” said Chairman Kline. “The Success and Opportunity through Quality Charter Schools Act will strengthen our education system and help more children access the excellent education opportunities they deserve. I’d like to thank Mr. Miller for his hard work and collaboration on this legislation, and urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to lend their support.”

“Charter schools play an integral part in our public education system,” said Rep. Miller. “In many ways, these innovative schools have been teaching us what is possible when it comes to educating kids—and the work of charter schools helps break down many of the stereotypes that often plague kids who happen to be from the wrong zip code. But we must not sacrifice quality for quantity. Through a reauthorization of the federal Charter Schools Program that emphasizes quality, equity, and accountability, we are not only ensuring that federal funds go to expand high-quality schools that serve all students, but we are also working to uphold our commitment to ensuring that every neighborhood has high-quality public schools.”

Under current law, the federal Charter School Program awards grants to states for the development of new charter schools, but does not include support for the replication or expansion of successful charter schools. H.R. 10 will modernize the Charter School Program to better support state efforts to develop and expand successful charter schools.

The Success and Opportunity through Quality Charter Schools Act:

• Improves the Charter School Program by authorizing the replication and expansion of successful charter models;
   
• Promotes state efforts to develop, expand, and authorize high-quality charter schools;
   
• Supports the sharing of best practices between charters and traditional public schools; and
   
• Encourages charter schools to reach out to special populations, including at-risk students, students with disabilities, and English learners.

To view a bill summary, click here.  To read a fact sheet, click here.

 

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