WASHINGTON, D.C.-In response to the U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education hearing Education Reforms: Exploring the Vital Role of Charter Schools, the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools released the following statement from its president and CEO, Peter C. Groff:
“We commend chairman Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-Calif.) for convening the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education to hear how public charter schools are uniquely positioned to meet the needs of students who may not be thriving in a traditional district school environment. Charter schools are independent public schools designed to improve academic achievement for students. They are unique public schools that foster a partnership between parents, teachers and students to create an environment in which parents can be more involved, teachers are given the freedom to innovate and students are provided the structure they need to learn with all three parties held accountable for improved student achievement.
“As today’s panelists discussed, charter schools serve the communities in which they are located in a multitude of ways. When charter schools move into neighborhoods, they provide a safe gathering place for students and families. They develop rigorous programs to boost academic achievement for all students including bringing students with special needs and English Language Learners to high levels of achievement. Collectively the charter school movement is also making significant progress developing new, innovative ,high-quality programs while closing schools which do not meet students’ academic needs.
“It is clear from todays hearing that public charter schools are bringing programs to communities that desperately need them. We look forward to working with Congress through the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act to ensure that charter schools remain a high-quality, highly-accountable piece of Americas public education system.”
About the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools:
The National Alliance for Public Charter Schools (NAPCS) is the national nonprofit organization committed to advancing the charter school movement. NAPCS works to increase the number of high-performing charter schools available to all families, particularly those 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.
