More Resources  Secretary's Remarks (June 20, 2002)

What is the future of charter schools? What does the research reveal about their impact on student achievement and other surrounding public schools? How do charter schools get started and where can you get help in creating one in your school district? These are among the many questions that will be addressed at the fourth annual Charter Schools National Conference sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education, U.S. Secretary of Education Rod Paige announced today.

Gaining Momentum for Choice: Celebrating the Next Decade of Charter Schools in America is the theme for this year's conference to be held Wednesday-Saturday, June 19-22 in Milwaukee, Wis., at the Midwest Express Convention Center, 400 W. Wisconsin Ave.

More than 3,000 participants are expected to attend the conference, which will provide a forum for the full spectrum of those involved with charter schools -- students, parents and communities, charter school developers and staff, charter granting entities, local and state education agencies, policymakers, technical assistance providers, researchers, state and national charter organizations, and other support organizations.

The goal of this intensive and interactive, three-day national conference is to celebrate a decade of charter schools by strengthening charter schools through the exchange of ideas and by addressing shared concerns.

"I believe that charter schools are no longer an experiment, they have made worthwhile contributions to school choice," Paige said. "In the decade since charter schools started, they have emerged as an important entrée on the menu of educational opportunity for parents throughout the country.

"Our goal is to help ensure these innovative schools continue to thrive so that parents can offer their children more choices in education. Our conference will help equip parents, state and local charter school officials with the information and resources they need to continue the momentum of charter schools and leave no child behind."

Paige noted that expected attendance at this year's conference is the largest ever, and pledged this administration's continued support for charter schools.

"President Bush and I have seen firsthand how charter schools can help strengthen communities and transform children's lives," Secretary Paige said. "That's why we're so committed to doing our best to help keep strong the charter school movement throughout America."

Charter schools are relatively autonomous public schools of choice that operate under a charter or contract issued by a public entity, such as a local school board, public university, or state board of education.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the opening of the first charter school. Since then, more than 2,400 charter schools have opened in 34 states and the District of Columbia and educate almost 589,000 children.

In 2002, the Bush Administration is providing $200 million to support charter schools -- a $10 million increase over last year's appropriation. President Bush's proposed 2003 budget continues his commitment to charter schools, proposing $300 million for these innovations, including $200 million to stimulate the planning and start-up of charters and $100 million for the new Credit Enhancement for Charter Schools Program, an expansion of the Charter Schools Facilities Financing Demonstration Program.

Gaining Momentum for Choice: Celebrating the Next Decade of Charter Schools in America will include several general sessions, large workshops, and breakout sessions, ranging from single-sex charter schools and how local governments can help spur their growth, to how President Bush's historic No Child Left Behind legislation will impact charter schools.

Following are conference highlights:

For a complete conference agenda visit the conference Web site at http://www.conferencepros.org/pastconferences.htm.

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