Improving Educational Opportunities with Strong Charter School Laws
Conn Carroll /
The Center for Education Reform held a panel yesterday to discuss the status of charter school laws across the country. Leading experts from across the country offered insights about how to pass a strong charter school law that encourages innovation and greater parental choice in public education.
Former Maryland Gov. Robert Ehrlich Jr. discussed the challenges he faced in bringing charter schools to
Eugene Hickok, former U.S. Deputy Secretary of Education and recent Heritage Bradley Fellow, discussed the importance of embracing support wherever you can find it. Mr. Hickok noted the tremendous gains made by charter schools in
The panelists considered and discussed mistakes that had been made in the charter school movement—including trying to find support among the teachers unions which have fought tooth and nail to oppose charter schools. Missouri Representative Rodney Hubbard (D-St. Louis) emphasized the importance of doing more to educate the urban community about the benefits of school choice.
Altogether, the panelists were encouraged by the progress made by charter schools over the past fifteen years. 40 states and