U.S. Secretary of Education Rod Paige today celebrated National Charter Schools Week at the Friendship Edison Collegiate Academy in northeast Washington, D.C. -- one event in a week's worth of activities recognizing the importance of charter schools in communities throughout the country.

Secretary Paige met with teachers and students in two classrooms; had a roundtable discussion with charter school founders, students and parents; and participated in a student assembly where he talked about the important role of charter schools in education in America.

"The guiding principle behind President Bush's sweeping education reforms in the No Child Left Behind law is his belief that every child can learn -- regardless of race, income or zip code," Secretary Paige said at the celebration. "That same spirit launched a nationwide movement a decade ago to create innovative centers of learning where even the most difficult-to- teach children can excel.

"Defenders of the status quo said it wouldn't work. They said it was too radical -- that parents wouldn't go for it, or that children wouldn't learn," Secretary Paige added. "But 10 years later, more than half a million children attend charter schools in more than 2,400 charters across the country, and nearly two-thirds of those charter schools have waiting lists. This week, we are highlighting these achievements."

Secretary Paige also said that schools and students can do great things when given freedom and flexibility.

"Today, we have made room for innovation and creativity in our education system," Secretary Paige said. "Because we believe that if you give people the freedom and flexibility to succeed, and hold them accountable for results, they will do amazing things."

As part of the celebration of National Charter Schools Week, April 29-May 3, senior U.S. Department of Education officials are visiting charter schools around the country. They have visited charter schools and participated in events in Orlando, Fla., Boston, Buffalo, N.Y., Wilmington, Del., Reno, Nev., Los Angeles, Pasadena, Calif., and Salt Lake City.

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.

Throughout this week, charter schools have been hosting open houses and welcoming the public to visit, learn and experience some of the activities that go on in charter schools.

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, including $200 million to stimulate the continued growth of charters. Plus, he proposed another $100 million for a new Credit Enhancement for Charter Schools Program, which would assist charter schools in acquiring, leasing and renovating facilities through competitive grants to public and nonprofit entities.

###

Top

Back to May 2002