2012 -- S 2921

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STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2012

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S E N A T E R E S O L U T I O N

PROCLAIMING MAY 2, 2012 AS

"CHARTER PUBLIC SCHOOL DAY" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

     

     

     Introduced By: Senator James E. Doyle

     Date Introduced: May 03, 2012

     Referred To: Placed on the Senate Consent Calendar

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     WHEREAS, Education is the gateway to a brighter future for our children and nation.

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During National Charter Schools Week, we celebrate charter schools’ commitment to academic

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achievement, accountability, and innovation. We recognize the vital role charter schools play in

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fostering an America where children have the knowledge and skills they need to grow, succeed,

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and achieve their dreams; and

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     WHEREAS, As a publically-funded alternative to traditional public schools, charter

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schools have expanded our understanding of public education by embracing the spirit of

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discovery and providing innovative avenues for success; and

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     WHEREAS, Since the 1995 passage of Rhode Island’s charter public schools’ enabling

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legislation, sixteen start-up institutions have been established serving over 4,600 students from

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thirty-four communities; and

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     WHEREAS, Charter public schools are independent public schools of choice that are free

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to be innovative and are accountable for student achievement; and

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     WHEREAS, Today, Rhode Island charter public schools primarily serve urban areas and

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face the challenges of poverty at a higher than average rate. Yet, these schools continue to be

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among the strongest in the state; and

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     WHEREAS, Charter public schools provide an alternative public education to students

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who desire a different learning environment than that provided by traditional public schools.

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Charter public schools provide Rhode Island parents and students their only public school

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choice option; and

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     WHEREAS, Charter public schools are designed to deliver programs tailored to

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educational excellence and community need; and

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     WHEREAS, Because they are public schools of choice, they are open to the public,

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funded by the public, and are accountable to the public; now, therefore be it

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     RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations

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hereby proclaims May 2, 2012, as “Charter Public School Day” in the State of Rhode Island and

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recognizes the achievement of our sixteen charter public schools; and be it further

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     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and he hereby is authorized and directed to

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transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to the Principals/Directors of Rhode Island’s

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sixteen charter public schools.

     

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LC02530

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S2921