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The charter school expressOct. 22, 2009 Wrap, suggested lead: The U.S. Department of Education and Secretary of Education Arne Duncan are touting charter schools as a means of boosting innovation in the classroom. But as Mark Schwerin reports, there's a danger of moving too fast when it comes to charter schools. (1:03/Schwerin/STD) In its $4 billion Race to the Top program, the Department of Education is offering funding priority to states that lift or remove caps on charter schools. But a recent article in Education Week raises concerns, says charter school researcher Dr. Gary Miron, a WMU professor of educational leadership, and one of the article's authors. (:33/Miron..........................................good oversight.) Miron says caps encourage better performance of existing charter schools. From Western Michigan University, I'm Mark Schwerin. Actualities: CUT ONE: Miron says Duncan is drawing on his experience as head of Chicago Public Schools, where charter schools were successful, but other states lack the oversight to hold charters accountable. (:44/Miron...................................................other states.) CUT TWO: Miron says one of the keys to Chicago's success with charter schools has been the slow growth of the movement while maintaining high standards. (:42/Miron...........................................rather than quantity.) CUT THREE: Miron says recent studies have shown mixed results, but as a whole, charters are performing less well than traditional public schools. (:38/Miron...................................................................a mix.) For additional comments or an interview with Miron, call (269) 387-5895. The Western Michigan University radio news service is produced
by the Office of University Relations. If you have questions
or comments about the service, call Mark Schwerin at (269) 387-8413. WMU Radio News Service Media contact: Mark Schwerin, 269 387-8400, mark.schwerin@wmich.edu |