CHARTER SCHOOLS and CHOICE NEWS NATIONWIDE

June 5th , 2008

Map of States with Charter School Laws

Georgia: Three bills just signed by the Governor make Georgia increasingly competitive: 1) creates an independent charter school authorizer to help expand the charter school program, 2) changes/improves charter school funding, and 3) creates a corporate and individual tax credit program supporting choice for low income students. Georgia’s new voucher program for special needs students ranked 2nd best in the nation.

Florida: Seminole Indians open first east coast charter school for Native American children. Also in Florida, a Virginia philanthropist who started one “Imagine” school model now has Imagine schools opening all around Florida. Imagine schools now have 25,000 students in 51 schools across the country. Creatively, one school opened in the Ellenton Ice and Sports Complex while locating a permanent home.

Rhode Island: It’s harder to be accepted to the Compass Charter School than to Harvard. The Compass Charter School can accept only 9% of applicants. Demand is high in RI for charter schools.

Utah: The Utah charter school program now includes tribal charter schools.

Pennsylvania: Philadelphia’s School Reform Commission unanimously authorized 7 more charter schools even though funding is difficult, saying these schools give high school students needed options.

Minnesota: Facility lease aid allows charter schools to purchase their own buildings.

Nevada: The Governor holds a summit to advance more charter schools.

Oklahoma: NEA defeats charter school and choice bills. Senate co-president responds saying more choice and creativity is needed in OK’s education system.

ALL STATES: Ten charter schools are among NEWSWEEKS top 100 schools. Smaller schools are the new wave of best practice for student engagement. The larger consolidated schools are giving way to more personalized smaller schools.

13 Magnet Choice Schools in States: National 2008 Schools of Excellence winners include magnet (choice/theme) schools across the country. States with winning magnet school programs: Texas, North Carolina, Florida, Nebraska, Illinois, Michigan, Tennessee, Georgia, Connecticut, Minnesota, North Carolina, Arizona, and Nevada.