On the recordFebruary 26, 2015
I am pleased to offer an amendment today that would amend the Charter Schools Program in title III for the underlying bill and make a positive improvement. As you know, the Charter Schools Program not only is a lifeline for growing and replicating public charter schools, but we want to see the benefit of that innovation spread across other public schools. I am very grateful to both the underlying bill and the Democratic substitute, which both have very strong language--in fact, nearly identical--about helping quality public charter schools grow and expand. As many of my colleagues are quick to point out, traditional public schools are also doing innovative things and are showing growth every day. For the foreseeable future, the vast majority of students in the country will continue to attend district public schools. District public schools are innovating to provide meaningful programs for students and are helping to narrow the achievement gap in our country every day. As my colleagues know, I am quick to point out the benefit of innovation that public charter schools allow, including the two that I founded in Colorado and New Mexico. My amendment, which I am offering with Mr. Rokita, would encourage charter schools and traditional public schools to collaborate and share best practices. They need not operate in their own separate silos. Both can learn from one another.…
