Yet, Appointment Provides Hope for Charter School Advocates
CHICAGO, Dec. 17, 2008 — Arne Duncan's appointment as the United States Secretary of Education is not a surprise for people familiar with his work. As the Chief Executive Officer of the Chicago Public Schools system, which is the nation's third largest, Mr. Duncan has deftly handled large tasks. In Chicago, he leads initiatives that are transforming the public schooling system into one of the most innovative in the country. With support from Mayor Richard M. Daley, Mr. Duncan has utilized educational entrepreneurship to make classroom-focused decisions that directly impact students and teachers for the better. This educational entrepreneurship is also reflected in the growth and achievement of charter public schools throughout the state.
Mr. Duncan has been a supporter of charter public schools and is well aware of their successes within Illinois and across the country. His departure from Chicago is a blow to the local public schools system, but has caught the attention of many charter public school advocates. "I have gone on record asking Mr. Duncan to remain in Chicago and serve as an example of entrepreneurial public school administration," said Elizabeth Evans, executive director of the Illinois Network of Charter Schools. "However, I understand that his vision and leadership is needed on a national level, and I look forward to seeing him carry out President-elect Obama's pledge to double the federal support for charter public schools," Evans continued.
Why Charter Public Schools Are Needed
Charter public schools are built with the needs of a community in mind. Charter public schools are among the top performers in the nation and are open to any student who lives in the district where they operate, with no admissions requirements. Charter public schools are autonomous in exchange for greater accountability, which allows them to focus on results-driven initiatives. On a macro level, a lack of funding impedes the commissioning of additional charter schools, which usually perform better than the neighboring traditional public schools. On a micro level, a lack of charter public schools is evident in the nation's growing achievement gap and the negative societal impacts that result from low-performing public schools. The nation is bracing for Obama-led change and Mr. Duncan is at the reigns of one area that needs it the most. The nation is watching.
The Illinois Network of Charter Schools (INCS) is dedicated to improving the quality of public education by promoting and invigorating the charter school concept. The voice of the state's charter schools, INCS advocates for legislation to strengthen charter schools, educates the public about the value of charter schools, and supports the dissemination of best practices throughout the system. For more information, visit http://www.incschools.org.
Contacts:
Cristina Vera, INCS
312-235-0798 ext.16
312-342-2280, cell
Courtney Quaye, CGC Communications
312-733-0644
Email
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