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State Representative Linda Slocum
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-7158
For more information contact: Charlene Briner 651-296-5809
Press/News Releases
BETTER OVERSIGHT FOR CHARTER SCHOOLS NEEDED TO HELP THEM SUCCEED
To the Editor:
In his first major speech devoted to education, President Obama called for an expansion of charter schools, calling them “laboratories of innovation." Here in Minnesota, we’ve been leaders in those dynamic laboratories. Since the first charter schools opened in Minnesota in the early 1990’s, they’ve been central to Minnesota's school-change advancements that also include post-secondary enrollment options and College in the Schools.
Charter school enrollment in Minnesota is at an all time high - 32,776 as of October 2008 - reflecting parents’ hunger for public school choices that better fit their child’s individual needs. While many charter schools have been successful, a few have been plagued by troubles ranging from lax financial oversight to low student achievement to conflicts among charter boards stemming from poor training or unclear rules – issues outlined in the State Auditor’s Report on Charter Schools.
I’ve authored a bill to strengthen and clarify the rules overseeing Minnesota charter schools and their sponsors. That bill is moving through the Legislature and was endorsed in a Star Tribune editorial on April 1. It provides rigorous oversight to help charter schools become more responsive and accountable, which will lead to better student-centered results. The result of months of compromise between charter school proponents, education organizations and legislators, the bill redefines the roles and responsibilities of charter sponsors, clarifies approval and oversight responsibilities, and strengthens charter school board governance.
Charter public schools and other public school options are here to stay. It’s in everyone’s best interest to help them succeed. This common sense law builds on Minnesota’s reputation as an education leader by expanding excellent options for parents and students, and providing assurance that tax dollars invested in education are used wisely and responsibly to help every student succeed.
Sincerely,
Linda Slocum
State Representative, District 63B
News Items
- The Minnesota Legislature: Gridlock and Misplaced Priorities - (Posted: 2012-05-31 00:00:00)
- Legislative Update - May 3, 2012 - (Posted: 2012-05-03 00:00:00)
- AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY DAY AT THE CAPITOL - (Posted: 2012-03-29 00:00:00)
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