U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy hosted an event titled "Chartering Excellence: A Policy Briefing on Charter School Innovation" to discuss ways to improve access to charter schools. The event, supported by the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools, aimed at providing students with education that suits their individual needs.
Senator Cassidy addressed the decline in student achievement and the obstacles families face in accessing quality education. He emphasized his legislative efforts to enhance educational options and support charter schools through the Equitable Access to School Facilities Act and the Educational Choice for Children Act.
“I have found that when a mother is motivated by the education of her child...she’s going to make sure that her child has the best opportunity her child has to learn. And yet, we put institutional barriers and barriers and barriers in front of that mother achieving the best for her daughter, for her son,” said Dr. Cassidy. “Now our challenge is how do we remove those barriers...so that child can achieve his or her potential.”
Daniella Diana Diaz Harrison, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, highlighted the role of charter schools in empowering children, particularly those with special learning needs. She noted President Trump's commitment to supporting charter schools with a $60 million increase for the federal Charter Schools Program.
Panelists shared experiences about how charter schools improve children's lives by offering flexible curriculums tailored to community needs. They also discussed preparing students not only for college but also successful careers. Panelists expressed a need for more flexibility in facility funding and reducing bureaucratic hurdles for opening new facilities.
The panel included Donnell Bailey from TeachPlus, Dr. Laura Cassidy from Louisiana Key Academy Public Charter School, Ruben Morris from Alabama Aerospace and Aviation High School, Lorenzo Romero from BASIS Educational Ventures, and David Taylor from Dayton Early College Academy.
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