Advocates Push For Bill To Expand Charter Schools

BOSTON (AP) — Charter school advocates are urging state lawmakers to allow for the expansion of the schools in underperforming urban school districts.

A coalition backing a bill that would lift the charter school caps called on the Education Committee on Tuesday to release a bill before a legislative deadline next week.

Charter schools are public schools that operate independently from local school districts. Advocates say charter school students consistently outperform academically their counterparts in traditional public schools.

Critics say charters drain financial resources from other schools.

The push on Beacon Hill came on the same day a lottery was being held for more than 13,000 Boston students seeking spots in charter schools. Only 2,000 will be selected.

The legislation would also give state education officials more flexibility to intervene in low-performing schools.

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