"California is trying to pass legislation that will clear the way for California to compete in the Race to the Top program which would make the state eligible for up to 700 million. The money would go to reform the nation's worst-performing schools. However, a fight has emerged on what role Charter Schools should play in this effort.
Earlier this week, the Assembly approved legislation by Assemblymember Julia Brownley (D-Santa Monica). This legislation would lift the cap on the number of charter schools in California, at the same time revamping the state's academic standards and target federal funding to those schools most in trouble."
Earlier this week, the Assembly approved legislation by Assemblymember Julia Brownley (D-Santa Monica). This legislation would lift the cap on the number of charter schools in California, at the same time revamping the state's academic standards and target federal funding to those schools most in trouble."
However, education reformers have called Assemblymember Brownley's legislation a weak effort that would fail to protect the worst failing schools. Instead, they along with Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, who has vowed to veto the legislation if it hits his desk, favor a bill that was sponsored by Senator Gloria Romero, also a Democrat (los Angeles), that would provide parents far more authority in the ability to intervene in failing schools or to move their kids to Charter Schools.
The Senate narrowly passed that legislation last month despite strong opposition from the California Teachers Association.
The Assembly however voted that legislation down and instead voted by a healthy margin to support Assemblymember Brownley's legislation.