Momentum for a proposal to allow more university-sponsored charter schools in Michigan appears to have slowed in the state Legislature.
Some lawmakers and schools lobbyists said that’s because the measure does not require charter schools to prove their success.
Democratic state Representative Lisa Brown said the measure should include a requirement that charter schools meet performance standards before opening in Michigan.
“I’m for quality education and every child should have a right to high quality education. There’s nothing in this bill that provides that,” said Brown.
Ari Adler, a spokesman for state House Speaker Jase Bolger, disagreed. Adler said the majority of charter schools in Michigan have long waiting lists for student enrollment. And he said that’s a reflection of high performance.
“So obviously they’re doing something right or parents wouldn’t be lining up to take their kids there," said Adler. "But we are going to be looking at -- this year and well into next year -- quality education in Michigan and how that quality can be improved. And that would be at charter public schools, traditional public schools and all forms of education."
Opponents of eliminating the state’s charter school cap say a third of existing charters have poor performance records.
It’s unclear if the charter school bill will be approved before the end of the year.
