On the recordMay 5, 2010
Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 1149, a resolution in support of the goals and ideals of National Charter School Week from May 2 through May 8, 2010, and to recognize the growing charter school movement in our Nation. Since their inception in 1991, charter schools have offered a competitive education to many of our Nation's public school students and have helped drive school reforms across the country. Charter schools across the United States support diverse and innovative instruction and learning models. With autonomy and flexibility, charter schools can make timely decisions about how to structure the school day, which curricula best suits the needs of their students, and which types of staff will enrich the school communities. Additionally, quality charter schools form important partnerships with parents and with their surrounding communities. This week, charter schools across the country will celebrate the 11th annual National Charter School Week. It is a great time to highlight the role these schools serve in driving education innovation and reform. Today, there are almost 5,000 public charter schools, which are operating in 39 States and in the District of Columbia. They serve more than 1.5 million students, with many more students on waiting lists.
