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Last week, I had the pleasure of joining the Excellence in Education conference in Washington DC. There was a dynamic and inspiring group of speakers and guests of which I was proud to be a part of. At the conference, I served on a panel that discussed increasing access to high performing public schools to all students. On the panel, I emphasized these points:

Good morning Chairman Patrick, members of the committee. Thank you for the opportunity to address this paramount issue of choice in education.

Leaders of Texans for Education Reform (TER) lauded the 83rd Texas Legislature today for taking important steps in the regular legislative session to transform public schools and give Texas students the tools they need to meet the challenges of the global information economy.

Key Elements of SB 2
Charter Schools Bill Conference Committee Report

QUICK CLOSURE OF LOW PERFORMING CHARTERS

SB 2 empowers the commissioner with the clear standards and new tools needed to shut down low performing charter schools quickly under an accelerated timetable. 

GUARDRAILS ON CHARTER SCHOOL AUTHORIZATION

SB 2 for the first time establishes a check-and-balance system for state awards of charters.  The commissioner is authorized to grant charters, but the State Board of Education has veto power.  The bill also strengthens the standards for awarding charters and provides for clear reporting that will shine a public light on poor charter authorization practices.

MEASURED GROWTH OF CHARTER SCHOOLS

SB 2 is responsive to the 100,000 students on charter school waiting lists. It lifts the arbitrary 215 cap on the number of charters, allowing measured growth of new public charter schools – 10 in 2014 and 15 annually thereafter with an aggregate cap of 305. The bill also eases the way for the replication of Texas’ most successful charter campuses.

GIVES LOCAL DISTRICTS POWER TO FIX SCHOOLS

SB 2 gives school districts authority to manage low-performing schools with the same flexibility afforded charter schools.  We must give local districts authority that is commensurate with their responsibilities.

STRENGTHENS CHARTER SCHOOL GOVERNANCE

SB 2 ensures that the non-profit board members of a charter school retain control over all aspects of operation and strengthens conflict-of-interest safeguards.

 

"There are some children whose names we probably don't even know, whose faces we never will see. But they are depending on us nonetheless to do something that changes their future. And their future in most cases begins with whether they get an education or not. And if they don't get an education, they will have no future. And if they don't have a future, it's our fault."

Texas Business Alliance Supports SB 1718: "Our policies ought to reflect the dynamic nature of our burgeoning economy and capitalize on the innovation and talents of our young Texans in their own communities."

The Texas House will vote on SB 2, the Charter School bill on Thursday, May 16. SB 2 will lift the cap on the number of charters allowing measured growth of new public charter schools. It will also make it easier and faster to close down poor performing charter schools. Please "share" this to show your support for SB 2.

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