National Alliance for Public Charter Schools Applauds Introduction of All-STAR Act in the U.S. Senate and House

Durbin, Kirk, Polis Bill Will Expand High-Quality Charter Schools

WASHINGTON, April 13, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In response to the introduction of the All Students Achieving through Reform (All-STAR) Act in the U.S. Senate and House yesterday, the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools released the following statement from its president and CEO, Peter C. Groff:

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"Students across the nation stand to benefit greatly from the All-STAR Act. Not only does the bill authorize much needed funding for the replication and expansion of the nation's highest performing charter schools, but it paves the way for future policies that will also increase the levels of accountability and autonomy for all parties.

"We applaud U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Mark Kirk (R-IL) who joined Representative Jared Polis (D-CO) yesterday in introducing this bill. Each of these leaders has demonstrated continued commitment to supporting the replication and expansion of high-quality charter schools.

"The All-STAR Act authorizes new competitive grants within the Department of Education's Charter Schools Program to replicate and expand the most successful public charter schools across the country. The multi-year grants can be used to add additional grades in an existing charter school or to create a new school based on an existing, successful charter model. The grants can be awarded to local education agencies, state education agencies, authorized public chartering agencies and nonprofit organizations which then award sub-grants to individual charter schools.

"Priority is given to the top-performing charters schools in each state that: have significantly closed achievement gaps; rank in at least the top 25th percentile in the State in achievement; meet benchmarks on an exam selected by the Secretary of Education; serve a high-need student population; have made Adequate Yearly Progress the last two consecutive years; and exceed the state graduation rate."

About the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools: 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 40 states and the District of Columbia.

SOURCE National Alliance for Public Charter Schools