Education Secretary Arne Duncan Speaks Out About Charter Schools

Charter schools have proven to be a successful means of reforming our educational system, especially in urban areas.  Based on extensive research and personal tales of hope, Education Secretary Arne Duncan, President Barack Obama and millions of others have taken an active role in charter schools support.

After his passionate speech at the National Charter School Conference in Washington D.C. last week, Duncan continued his vocal support for charter schools at a recent Press Conference.

States need to have a plan to turn around their lowest-performing schools. I’m an advocate of using whatever model works for children and I want charter schools to join that work. But they won’t be able to get into the turnaround business in states that restrict the growth of charters. States that slow innovation are limiting opportunities for students and placing themselves at a competitive disadvantage for $4 billion in Race to the Top Fund grants…While some states limit the number of charter schools, others like Louisiana and Tennessee, have lifted their caps on charters, giving more students the opportunity to attend higher performing schools.

Unfortunately, Missouri still has restrictions on charter schools in place.  Our state must lift these caps so we are not at a disadvantage for stimulus money and, more importantly, so the kids in our communities are given opportunity and hope through high-quality education.