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Statement by Nelson Smith on Recent Strong Bi-Partisan Endorsements for Public Charter Schools

We strongly welcome Senator Obama's pledge today to increase funding for responsible public charter schools -- and to hold them accountable for improving student academic performance. This endorsement of the vital role that charters can play in reforming education, along with Senator McCain's call last week to give all parents with children trapped in failing schools the opportunity to send them to charter schools is vivid new evidence of the bi-partisan support for public charter schools.

The charter school movement began with a single school inMinnesota 17 years ago. Today, more than 1.2 million students are enrolled in over 4,300 charter schools in 40 states and theDistrict of Columbia. Charters are public schools given the freedom to innovate -- but held accountable for improved student achievement. Results have shown that charters' increased level of accountability combined with the autonomy to shape curriculum to meet students' needs is creating both high-quality schools and high levels of student academic achievement.

The National Alliance for Public Charter Schools (www.publiccharters.org ) is the national nonprofit organization committed to advancing the charter school movement. The Alliance works to increase the number of high performing charter schools available to all families, particularly low-income and minority families who currently do not have access to quality public schools. The Alliance provides assistance to state charter school associations and resource centers, develops and advocates for improved public policies, and serves as the united voice for this large and diverse movement.

SOURCE National Alliance for Public Charter Schools