FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Isakson Praises Work of Charter Schools
Promotes National Charter Schools Week May 2 – 8

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., today praised the work of Georgia’s charter schools as National Charter School Week is recognized May 2 through 8, 2010. 

Charter schools are tuition-free public schools that are open to all students. Educators, community leaders, business people and parents who start charter schools select the curriculum, philosophies and emphases of the schools, such as a back-to-basics foundation, technology focus or school-to-work approach.  The start-up nature of many charter schools means they operate with strong community support and involvement while seeking to provide teachers with a positive teaching environment.

“I am proud once again to lend my support to the Georgia Charter Schools Association and National Charter Schools Week,” said Isakson. “Charter schools empower parents and families with the ability to better identify the best learning environment for success.”

Due to the demand for more school choice, the number of charter schools in Georgia has climbed steadily since the first three schools opened in 1995. These charter schools continue to achieve at high levels with regards to percentage of schools making AYP and graduation rates.

Today, 122 charter schools currently serve nearly 65,000 students across Georgia. In 2009, the Georgia Charter Schools Commission, the state’s single alternative authorizer of charter schools, authorized two existing charter schools as Commission schools and approved an additional seven schools for opening later this year.

“The Georgia Charter Schools Association is an important partner for me in order to do everything I can on a national level to support charter schools,” said Isakson. “Charter schools play a significant role in quality choice in public education. Communities across Georgia and across the United States are benefiting from charter schools.”

The independence of charter schools allows them to employ innovative educational practices that help boost academic achievement. Charter schools now serve nearly 1.6 million students in over 4,900 schools across the nation. 

Isakson was Chairman of the Georgia Board of Education from 1996 to 1999, and helped draft the federal No Child Left Behind law as a member of the U.S. House. In the Senate, Isakson serves on the Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions. 

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