Charter Schools Highlighted on Education Department's Inaugural Syndicated Television Broadcast

Charter Schools Highlighted on Education Department's Inaugural Syndicated Television Broadcast

'Charter Schools: School Reform That Works' Airs on More Than 600 Stations Across Country

WASHINGTON, Feb. 24 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The nation's public charter schools are the focus of the U.S. Department of Education's first nationally syndicated television broadcast under new Education Secretary Arne Duncan. "Charter Schools: School Reform that Works" will air during the next three weeks on more than 600 local television stations around the country that carry the department's 60-minute syndicated program, "Education News that Parents Can Use." (See http://registerevent.ed.gov/index.cfm for broadcast listings)

"Freed to be more innovative and held accountable for improved student achievement, public charter schools are seeing results around the country," said National Alliance for Public Charter Schools President and CEO Nelson Smith. "Naturally, we're very pleased that Secretary Duncan chose to use this first broadcast to highlight the education reforms that are working in charter schools."

"I feel a huge sense of urgency," said Secretary Duncan, speaking about his first month on the job. "We need to get better. We need to get better now. And when we do a great job, we open up this world of opportunity for our children." On the program, Duncan discusses President Obama's education priorities, ways in which to strengthen and improve the No Child Left Behind Act, and the need for education reform. Additionally, the program showcases two high-quality public charter schools, Alain Locke Charter Academy in Chicago, and KEY Academy in Washington, D.C. Both are noted for their innovative practices and significant academic gains. Eight out of 10 students at Alain Locke meet or exceed state standards in both reading and math while students entering KIPP KEY are typically 2 grades behind but achieve in the 80th and 90th percentiles for their grade level by the time they graduate from KIPP KEY.

Also appearing on the program are Josh Edelman, director of Chicago's Office of New Schools; Greg Richmond, President of the National Association of Charter School Authorizers; Sarah Hayes, Principal of KIPP KEY School in Washington D.C.; and Nelson Smith.

In addition to airing on 600 stations reaching 90% of the country, the program may be viewed on-line at http://registerevent.ed.gov/index.cfm.

The National Alliance for Public Charter Schools (http://www.publiccharters.org/) is the national nonprofit organization committed to advancing the charter school movement. The Alliance works to increase the number of high performing charter schools available to all families, particularly low-income and minority families who currently do not have access to quality public schools. The Alliance provides assistance to state charter school associations and resource centers, develops and advocates for improved public policies, and serves as the united voice for this large and diverse movement.

Source: National Alliance for Public Charter Schools

CONTACT: Bill Schulz, +1-202-521-2828, or Sarah Johnson,
+1-202-521-2826, both of the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools,
pressroom@publiccharters.org

Web Site: http://registerevent.ed.gov/index.cfm
http://www.publiccharters.org/

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