Home

House passes bill to expand charter schools

February 8, 2011

Keywords

Charter Schools, Education & Workforce Development, Government, Government & Economic Development, K-12, Legislature, State Government

Legislation aimed at expanding charter schools in Indiana has cleared the Indiana House.

The House approved the proposal Tuesday on a 59-37 mostly party-line vote following hours of debate. Republicans say the bill would mean more options for families, while Democrats contend that it will erode funding for traditional schools.

The bill next heads to the Republican-controlled Indiana Senate for consideration.

The legislation supported by Gov. Mitch Daniels aims to expand charter schools, which are public schools that are free of certain state regulations and often free of union contracts. That freedom lets them take a more nimble approach to education.

Currently, only school boards, the mayor of Indianapolis and public colleges that offer four-year degrees can start charter schools. The state currently has more than 60 charter schools.

IBJ Conversations
1 Comments
Add Comment

Nimble Approach

ParentFebruary 9, 2011 1:07 PM
Sounds like the assertion is that STATE regulations on public schools and the unions are the reason public education is in "shambles". How about, we compromise, and free the Public schools of some of the ridiculous regulations and see what they can do. The idea that Charter schools can change direction in few months to accomodate their student mix is great, so it appears the state regulations shoving all public schools into the same box is more the cause for waht some view as lackluster performance. I like Mitch, but in contrast to his "Teachers are 20 times the most important factor in a students....." is extremely incorrect. Accountability needs to be placed with the Student and Parent(s). They are the most important factors. Further not all students should graduate, because many who fail, simply do not do the reuired work to earn it!!

Reply to Comment Flag Comment