[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 53 (Wednesday, May 3, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E624]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      SUPPORT FOR CHARTER SCHOOLS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. DAVID M. McINTOSH

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 3, 2000

  Mr. McINTOSH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of National 
Charter Schools Week and the resolution which highlights the success of 
this important institution. National Charter Schools Week was declared 
to recognize the achievement of charter schools across America. It is 
supported by more than sixty grassroots organizations including the 
Indiana Charter School Association. Hundreds of schools, governors, and 
legislators are participating in activities to honor the involvement, 
dedication, and academic success of students, parents, teachers, and 
administrators.
  Declared ``one of the most promising education innovations in recent 
years.'' by the Indianapolis Star charter schools are an essential 
institution in a state which wants to bring the community together for 
education and give students greater opportunities to succeed 
academically.
  Charter schools are an important step in engaging ``edupreneurs''--
people who care deeply about education, are able to replicate 
successful practice because of their knowledge of how results-oriented 
systems work, and have the potential to bring enormous financial 
resources to the table for the betterment of their students' education.
  Charter schools create ``social capital'' by greatly expanding the 
opportunities for entire communities--particularly parents--to become 
involved with the life of the school. Parents tend to be involved more 
in charter schools, both because they are welcomed, and in some cases 
required to participate, but also because people tend to develop a 
vested interest in situations where they have made a deliberate choice. 
Choice leads to ownership and responsibility.
  Choice also stimulates innovation. Charter schools tend to provide 
smaller and more ``family-like'' environments which some children need 
to succeed. Charter schools serve diverse groups of students including 
those of lower income and those with disabilities. These customized 
environment can provide extra attention, tailored curricula, new 
learning innovations, and other benefits.
  As I said, charter schools are essential to building a successful 
education system. Thirty-six states, the District of Columbia, and the 
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico have passed laws authorizing charter 
schools. It is my hope that Indiana will be the thirty-seventh. By 
adopting a strong charter school law, we will ensure that no child is 
left behind.
  For these reasons, I am an original co-sponsor of this resolution and 
an enthusiastic supporter of National Charter Schools Week.

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