Press Release, U.S. Department of Education, June 22, 2004
http://www.ed.gov/news/pressreleases/2004/06/06222004.html The state of Maryland will receive millions of dollars from a U.S. grant to promote charter schools in America. Charter schools are independent public schools designed and operated by educators, parents, and members of the local community. They are given more flexibility in how they operate as long as they perform up to required educational standards.
As part of the grant presentation, U.S. Department of Education Deputy Secretary Gene Hickok encouraged the expansion of charter schools in Maryland. “Across the nation, charter schools are proving that a focus on results, combined with greater freedom for educators and more choices for parents, leads to better education for students,” said Hickok “I am thrilled that Maryland finally has the opportunity to embrace these innovations and hope to see charter schools blossom throughout the state over the next few years."
The funds for this grant come from the No Child Left Behind Charter School Program. No Child Left Behind is a landmark education reform act that serves as an umbrella for many initiatives to give more educational choices to communities and parents.
