Every child deserves an opportunity to learn. But, in America today, too many kids have their destiny determined by zip code. Many families live in neighborhoods with struggling schools where their children grapple to break the cycle and get a high-quality education.
That is why education choice matters. Lots of kids live in communities with great schools, but too many do not. Parental choice is the ultimate local control, allowing parents to choose the best learning environment for their child regardless of income, geographic boundary or lot in life. Parental choice levels the playing field and helps ensure all children have a chance for success.
While I’m a proponent of school choice in all forms, I am very encouraged by the bipartisan momentum behind the charter school movement. Charter schools empower parents with another free public school option for their child’s education. They encourage state and local innovation to improve education outcomes. And, they help children escape poorly-performing schools and give them a chance to learn.
Over the last few years, my home state of Indiana has made great strides in expanding its charter schools. Today, more than 28,000 Hoosier students attend a charter school. Just last month, I toured Inspire Academy of Muncie, one of 74 charter schools in Indiana. I was impressed with what I saw — a diverse group of students actively engaged in learning, teachers pioneering fresh teaching methods and parents heavily involved in their child’s education.
Because more parents than ever before — of all incomes, races and backgrounds — are seeing the benefits of charter schools, these schools are in extraordinarily high demand. Currently, more than 920,000 students across the country are on a wait list to get into the charter school of their choice. That is a tremendous injustice. And, while I believe education decisions are best made at the state and local level, we can do more in Washington to expand access to charter schools across the country.
That’s why I am a strong supporter of the Success and Opportunity through Quality Charter Schools Act (H.R. 10) introduced by Education and the Workforce Chairman Rep. John Kline (R-Minn.) and Ranking Member Rep. George Miller (D-Calif.). H.R. 10 streamlines funding and improves states’ ability to replicate successful charter school models. Under current law, the federal Charter School Program awards grants to states for the development of new charter schools, but does not include support for their replication or expansion.
The bill encourages charter and traditional schools to share “best practices” to enhance student learning and increase positive outcomes. It also bolsters charter schools’ efforts to reach out to special populations including at-risk students, students with disabilities and English learners.
If we are serious about improving our education system so that all children have a chance at success in life, we must increase competition and empower parents and students with education options. A great place to start is with this bipartisan effort to expand access to charter schools. Together, we can make sure every child has a shot at success.
