National Alliance for Public Charter Schools President, Nelson Smith, Issues a Statement on President Obama's 'Blueprint for Reform'

WASHINGTON, March 16 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Nelson Smith, president and CEO, National Alliance for Public Charter Schools today released the following statement:

"President Obama's 'Blueprint' for re-authorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act demonstrates a continuing commitment to supporting strong public charter schools and using the power of choice to spur broader education reform.  

The Blueprint continues and expands the federal government's commitment to increasing the number of high-quality public charter schools. For example, the administration of charter funds is broadened to include authorizers and nonprofits, as well as state education agencies -- a provision long-sought by the Alliance -- and there is explicit permission to set aside funds for effective oversight and support.

These changes create a stronger link between charter funding and accountability.  

Beyond direct support for high-quality charter schools, the Blueprint also suggests how the charter model is exerting a positive influence in other areas.  There is language asking states to ensure that 'principals are able to select and build a strong team of teachers with a shared vision and that teachers are choosing to be part of a school team;' and we at the Alliance applaud the inclusion of Promise Neighborhoods, which are modeled on the Harlem Children's Zone.  

We also applaud the increased reliance on student growth toward college and career-readiness as the centerpiece of the Blueprint's approach to accountability, since charter schools often welcome students who are significantly behind their peers in academic achievement, and put them on track toward high school graduation and college acceptance.

The Alliance will be vigilant as the proposal moves to Congressional consideration. We strongly favor federal government support of real charter schools, as opposed to the various kinds of charter-like schools (such as 'innovative schools') being proposed by the states, and are calling for a rigorous analysis of the Blueprint's 'autonomous schools' language.  The Secretary of Education's desire for real flexibility at the local level must not be compromised.  True charters fulfill that objective and 'faux charters' do not."

The National Alliance for Public Charter Schools (http://www.publiccharters.org) 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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