The laws aim to improve the application and review process for public charter school applicants, as well as establishing uniform statewide input standards for the application process. Children will also be allowed to choose schools that fall outside their zip codes, expand college laboratory schools and improve and promote virtual learning.
Additionally, charter school applications that are denied or existing schools that fail the renewal process will now receive written reasons for such denial and can thereafter petition the local school board for reconsideration. The bills include provisions for public comment at all steps of the process for new and existing charter school applications and renewals. Final decisions will ultimately rest with the local school boards where the the school is applying.
The Governor also hopes to use the new laws to bolster the state’s Race To The Top application for federal education funding.
“Without a world-class education our young people will not be able to compete with their peers in the global marketplace. States that move proactively to bring innovation, competition and reform to their public schools are not only serving their young people well, they are improving their prospects for future economic prosperity and job-creation,” Governor McDonnell said.
MErbil
2 months ago
Please do your research on Pinnacle Academy in Virginia, it is part of the 97 US Charter schools managed by the Gulen Movement. Fetullah Gulen is described as the worlds most dangerous Islamic Imman – he owns and operates over 600 schools worldwide. There is mismanagement of funds and money laundering via the numerous layers of Gulen Foundations and Institutions. The uncredentialed teachers are immigrated from Turkey under HB-1 Visas that are billed to the American taxpayers. The schools are teaching Islamic culture via language, dance, song and poetry under the guise of “interfaith dialogue” Learn why Chesapeake Science Academy in MD was Closed.
Do your research on the Gulen Movement and you decide.
http://www.charterschoolwatchdog.com
http://turkishinvitations.weebly.com/
Concerned Citizen
2 months ago
Someday soon the public will see the fallacy of trying to treat education like another “product.” Competition does not lead to the best quality product nor to the product most likely to serve the buyer's long-term interests – rather it favors the product that is most successfully advertised. That is why people buy French fries instead of vegetables.
“Virtual learning” as a replacement for brick-and-mortar schools is a recipe for disaster. Interaction with a live teacher (and with live fellow students) is one of the most vital aspects of a child's education. Yes, not all public school teachers are perfect, but to gut the tradition of schools with live teacher-student interaction because of this would be like eliminating marriage because some people commit adultery. Some things in life don't need “innovation” – they just need to be better fostered and cultivated. Bringing a corporate mindset to education is going to lead this country to another Bernie Madoff moment.
I applaud Governor McDonnell's desire for a “world-class education” for Virginia's youth. Here's how to get it – pay teachers more, and then search among the increased pool to hire the very best.
How could anyone expect to a get a “world-class” *anything* without paying for it?