Yesterday, Kentucky House Representative Brad Montell introduced legislation to establish charter schools. The 2013 legislative session marks the third year in a row that supporters have pursued a law to allow public charter schools in the Bluegrass State.
Kentucky is one of only eight states without a law authorizing public charter schools. In 1992, public charter schools started as a small movement and have grown into a proven and effective model for education that respond to parents’ demands and addresses the unique learning needs of students. Today, more than two million students attend these innovative public schools. But Kentucky’s parents and students don’t have the option of attending a public charter school.
In a state with as much diversity as Kentucky, public charter schools can meet the needs of racial, ethnic, and economic groups demanding different curricular approaches. For example, charter schools specialize in several education models, such as bilingual education, arts, vocational instruction, or programs for gifted or at-risk students. Over the past 20 years, charter schools have demonstrated that they can succeed serving children often overlooked by traditional school systems. Indeed, many charter school leaders explicitly state that satisfying the educational needs of a target student group is central to their mission.
Rep. Montell’s legislation is based on examples of laws in states where public charter schools are making the biggest impact on student achievement. With it, Kentucky will have the chance to open new high-quality schools in the public education sector.
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