[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 104 (Friday, July 19, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1098]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          STUDENT SUCCESS ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. THOMAS E. PETRI

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 18, 2013

       The House in Committee of the Whole House on the state of 
     the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 5) to 
     support State and local accountability for public education, 
     protect State and local authority, inform parents of the 
     performance of their children's schools, and for other 
     purposes:

  Mr. PETRI. Mr. Chair, I rise today in support of this amendment and 
am pleased to be a cosponsor. Charter schools are a critical component 
of our Nation's public school system and are helping to foster an array 
of high-quality public school options for parents and their children. 
Today, more than 6,000 public charter schools serve a diverse student 
body of more than 2.3 million students in 40 States and the District of 
Columbia. Unfortunately, however, almost one million students find 
themselves on charter school waiting lists, unable to attend the school 
of their choice. We must do more to expand access to these high-quality 
public school options.
  One recent study conducted by the Stanford Center for Research on 
Education Outcomes found that schools that have a strong start tend to 
remain highly successful schools in the future. The federal Charter 
Schools Program has been a crucial tool in helping many charter schools 
get this strong start. Unfortunately, however, many schools aren't able 
to use the funds provided through this program in ways that would be 
most effective for their students. This amendment would simply expand 
the ways in which charter schools can use the startup funds provided 
through this program, including for professional development, teacher 
training, instructional materials, and minor facilities improvements.
  The amendment would also give priority to States that allow funding 
provided to charter schools to be shared when a student is enrolled in 
multiple schools. This flexibility will help support the growth of a 
wide array of high-quality virtual schools and other expanded learning 
opportunities provided through partner organizations.
  Lastly, the amendment simply ensures that charter schools receiving 
funds under the federal Charter Schools Program are doing outreach to 
low-income and underserved populations. While charter schools often 
serve a disproportionate number of low-income students, this amendment 
will simply ensure that they continue to lead the way in providing 
access to high-quality public school options.
  I urge my colleagues to support this amendment.

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