Senate Supports Charter Schools

On April 27, the Senate approved, by unanimous consent, a resolution (S. Res. 453) designating the week of May 1-6, 2006, as “National Charter Schools Week.”

Sponsored by Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-TN), the resolution contains a number of findings, including:

• Charter schools are public schools authorized by a designated public entity; respond to the needs of our communities, families, and students; and promote the principles of quality, choice, and innovation;
• More than 3,600 charter schools are now operating in 40 states and the District of Columbia, serving more than one million students;
• Charter schools serve a higher percentage of low-income and minority students nationwide than the traditional public school system; and
• Over the last twelve years, Congress has provided nearly $1.775 billion to support charter schools through facilities financing assistance and grants for planning, startup, implementation, and dissemination.