SF 0174 proposes the establishment of a new statewide authorizer to approve new charter schools and hold those schools accountable for their academic performance.
The National Alliance for Public Charter Schools applauds the introduction of SF 0174, a bill that proposes to establish a new statewide authorizer to approve new charter schools and hold those schools accountable for their academic performance. If this bill passes, those who want to start a charter school could apply to either the local school board or the new statewide authorizer.
In line with existing law, public charter schools will continue to adhere to the state’s accountability system and take the same state tests as district public schools. The bill also grants charter schools more flexibility to meet children’s needs in return for greater accountability for meeting their promises to families and taxpayers.
“We’re excited to see Wyoming’s legislature consider this bill to improve upon the changes made to the state’s authorizing process in 2021,” says Nina Rees, CEO and President of The National Alliance for Public Charter Schools. “Ensuring that high-quality public-schools can open and are held accountable for delivering strong student results is more important than ever. Thank you to Senate President Ogden Driskill, Representative Jared Olsen, and other legislative supporters for championing this bill and working for students and families.”
If passed, this bill would be the most significant overhaul to Wyoming’s charter school law in more than 20 years, making essential changes in line with the country’s best charter school policies and practices.
Charter schools are tuition-free public schools open to all students. The charter school model empowers teachers to provide innovative, high-quality instruction and gives them the autonomy to design a classroom that fits their students’ needs. Charter schools are led by dynamic principals who have the flexibility to create a school culture that fosters student performance and parent satisfaction. Charter schools are held accountable to the performance standards they agree to in their charter contract and by their communities. A 2020 study from the Program on Education Policy and Governance at Harvard University found that students attending charter schools made greater academic gains from 2005 to 2017 than students in district-operated schools.
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