Group says Iowa's charter school law is nation's weakest

Iowa's charter school law is the weakest in the nation, according to a study released today by the national nonprofit Center for Education Reform.

The Washington-based center's report indicates that Iowa ranks 40th nationally with an ‘F” grade in terms of providing children with access to great public schools. Only two other states received failing grades, according to the center.

“Every state's education law has certain legal components that play key roles in deciding whether that state does what its law's title suggests-to provide all children with access to the highest-quality schooling opportunities possible,” said Jeanne Allen, president of The Center for Education Reform. "Some states have been pioneers in this effort, and others are far behind. Iowa's law is abysmal and should be completely reformed and overhauled.”

Allen said the center's 11th annual report (available at www.edreform.com) could serve as a blueprint for Iowa families and legislators who are interested in improving educational opportunity for children, providing teachers with the freedom and authority to do their jobs, and developing incentives for the creation of new and innovative charter schools.