Hall Supports Parent-Teacher Relationship, Votes to Strengthen Charter School Program

Floor Speech

As we celebrate "National Teachers Week,' I thank all our Nation's educators for the work they do to prepare our students for a successful future," said Hall. "Teachers and schools need our support as we work together to improve the nation's education system and provide the best education possible for our children. Much can be gained from expanding students' access to quality charter schools, which is why I am proud to support the Success and Opportunity through Quality Charter Schools Act."

Hall continued, "Charter schools are doing a remarkable job in advancing high-quality education through innovative approaches in classrooms. These schools empower parents to actively participate in their child's education, offer teachers the opportunity to employ pioneering teaching methods, encourage state and local innovation, and give options to students in underperforming schools.

"The charter school movement has grown exponentially since it was first created 20 years ago. Now, there are more than 2 million students enrolled in charter schools, with over a million more on the waiting list. It is important that we meet the growing demand for high-quality charter schools and strengthen this valuable program -- the Success and Opportunity through Quality Charter Schools Act does just that.

"Parents and educators know best what their students need. If a student can benefit most from a charter school, that student should be able to have access to that education. I will continue to support education initiatives that will help prepare our students for successful futures. After all, our children represent 25% of our population and 100% of our future."

H.R. 10 will strengthen the Charter School Program by:

Promoting state efforts to develop and expand charter schools;
Improving the Charter School Program by authorizing the replication and expansion of successful charter models;
Supporting the sharing of best practices between charters and traditional public schools; and
Encouraging charter schools to reach out to special populations including at-risk students, students with disabilities, and English learners.

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