Bipartisan legislation aimed at helping charter schools with a track record of success expand their reach was poised to sail through the U.S. House of Representatives late last week. But its path in the Senate—where a nearly identical bill is pending—remains unclear.
The House measure was written by Rep. John Kline, R-Minn., the chairman of the House education committee, and Rep. George Miller, D-Calif. It’s also gotten high-profile backing from Rep. Eric Cantor, R-Va., the House Majority Leader, a proponent of school choice.
Among other provisions, it would combine programs aimed at helping charter developers open new schools with money to help charters find and fix up facilities. It also includes language aimed at ensuring that charter schools enroll—and retain—students in special education and English-language learners.
