James Davis: “we will not take up an issue on the floor of this House more important than the one we are debating today--improving the…”

“we will not take up an issue on the floor of this House more important than the one we are debating today--improving the education of our children. I am asking my colleagues to join me today in investing in one of the most promising reforms happening in our country: charter schools. Charter schools are often created by parents, teachers, and communities advocating for the students they care about. These schools often serve as an alternative for at-risk, or special needs children who, for whatever reason, do not perform their best in the traditional public school setting. We need to have the courage to join these parents and keep these exciting reforms alive. Thirty states, including my home State of Florida, have already passed legislation permitting the establishment of charter schools. In the Florida law, which I helped write, we struck the balance of protecting students and assuring a sufficient level of quality while allowing innovative teaching. Charter schools have been blossoming all over the State.”