National Alliance for Public Charter Schools Applauds U.S. Department of Education on Selection of Race to the Top Winners

Delaware and Tennessee win Round One; both took steps to increase charter schools in their states

WASHINGTON, March 29 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Alliance for Public Charter Schools is pleased to see Delaware and Tennessee named as the two states awarded funding in Round One of the Race to the Top competition. Both have taken steps to remove barriers to charter school expansion, allowing families to have additional choices in public education.

"U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan has kept his word about setting a 'very high bar' for the competition and sent a strong signal to every state hoping for success in Round Two," said Nelson Smith, president and CEO, National Alliance for Public Charter Schools.  "The message is clear:  States that increase support for high-quality public charter schools have an important advantage in the competition."

Both of today's winning states have acted to expand charter schooling as a key component of systemic reform.  However, Smith stressed, "Despite their progress, both states have some work to do if public charter schools are to fulfill their potential."

Delaware, which produced the strongest application in Round One, allowed the state's moratorium on the opening of any new charter schools to lapse in June 2009. It is now critical that Delaware make further improvements to its charter law, including creating additional authorizing options, ensuring equitable operational funding and providing equitable access to capital funding and facilities.

Tennessee enacted several improvements to its law in 2009.  Among other enhancements, the state partially lifted its cap on charters and now allows low-income students to attend charter schools -- in addition to the original five categories of students, which were focused on low performance.  Tennessee also provided a funding mechanism to support charter facilities costs.  To continue on this path, further improvements will be necessary, including removing all impediments to student enrollment, creating additional authorizing options and ensuring equitable operational funding.

"The formula for success must remain clear: more support for charters equals a winning application," said Smith. "We will continue to watch the process in Round Two, and urge the Department of Education to continue selecting only those states committed to education reform that includes charter schools as a critical component."

The National Alliance for Public Charter Schools (Alliance) 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

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