July 24: High-Quality Charter Schools “Essential Component” of Race to the Top Plans
Washington, D.C. - National Alliance for Public Charter Schools President and CEO Nelson Smith made the following statement concerning the announcement of the Race to the Top guidelines proposed today by President Barack Obama:
High-quality public charter schools are closing the achievement gap in cities across America, and should be an essential component of every state’s education reform plan. President Obama and Secretary Duncan agree that public charter schools are making a difference, as the draft guidelines for the “Race to the Top” competition clearly demonstrate.
The draft guidelines released today by President Obama address more than just lifting state restrictions on charter school growth. They also address other vital measures including strong charter authorizing, equitable funding, and access to public education facilities. Action is needed on all these fronts if states are to capitalize on the advances made by strong charter models.
We’re also pleased that the President’s guidelines ask for the explicit support and participation of each state’s public charter schools in implementation plans, and we’ll be working closely state charter school associations to ensure that this happens.
The Alliance will provide detailed comments after consultation with the national charter school community – and we look forward to working closely with governors, state boards of education, and chief state school officers in the months ahead as they look to integrate high-performing charter models into their proposals.
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