Mixed Scorecard on Charter Bills in South

Legislation encouraging the growth of charter schools in two Southern states fell short of statehouse approval this year, despite strong support from Republican governors.

In Alabama, the House education committee this month effectively killed the proposed Education Options Act, which would have paved the way for the introduction and rapid expansion of charter schools in the state.

The original proposal from the House was a priority for GOP Gov. Robert Bentley this session. But conflicts arose between the House and Senate versions of the bill over whether as many as 20 new charter schools would be placed "near" low-performing schools, as the House version had it, or replace them....