Charter schools and school choice will be among the parental options highlighted on the February edition of the Department of Education's monthly TV show, "Education News Parents Can Use," airing Tuesday and available on broadcast, satellite and cable outlets as well as the Web.

The program will feature interviews with department officials and guests discussing the flexibility available to parents to guide their children's education under the landmark No Child Left Behind Act.

A number of cable services across the nation will carry the program -- many live -- from 8-9 p.m., EDT. In Washington, the show will appear live on Channel 28, the D.C. Public Schools cable channel.

A complete listing of viewer options is posted at http://registerevent.ed.gov/. In addition, the program will be webcast at www.connectlive.com/events/ednews/.

"Expanding parental options is one of the pillars of our efforts to strengthen schools and help students reach their academic potential," said U.S. Secretary of Education Rod Paige. "No Child Left Behind gives unprecedented options to parents which we hope to convey through programs like this."

Tuesday's broadcast will include:

• Remarks from President Bush addressing the importance of school choice;
• An interview with Secretary Paige;
• A discussion with Nina Rees, deputy under secretary for innovation and improvement, explaining the Education Department's efforts to promote choice for parents;
• Discussions with parents and educators about the success of charter schools and the importance of exploring educational options within school systems.
• A profile of a high-performing charter school honored as a No Child Left Behind Blue Ribbon School.

Among others appearing on the program will be Thomas Mahowald, board chair of Summit Middle Charter School in Boulder, Colo.; Ken Roberts, dean of instruction at South Mountain Community College in Phoenix; and Leticia Ruiz, principal of the Teacher Preparation High School in Phoenix.

Also, Tracy McDaniel, founder and director of the Knowledge Is Power Program (KIPP)/Reach College Preparatory in Oklahoma City; and Marcela Garcini, senior field organizer with the Hispanic Council for Reform and Educational Options in Dallas.

Details about the "Education News Parents Can Use" TV series can be found at http://www.ed.gov/news/av/video/edtv/index.html.

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