Oral arguments are being heard in the State Supreme Court today in a case brought by the Washington Education Association and other organizations that challenges the constitutionality of state public charter schools. More than 1400 charter school students, parents and teachers are expected to rally in Olympia in support of their schools.

Washington Policy Center's Center for Education Reform Director Liv Finne is attending the oral arguments will be available for comment at their conclusion (contact information below).

For background perspective, we offer the following data from from the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools (https://www.publiccharters.org/what-you-can-do/celebrate-national-charter-schools-week) :

• In 2017-18, there are more than 7,000 charter schools.
• Charter schools serve nearly 3.2 million students in 43 states and D.C.
• Charter schools serve 6 percent of the 50 million public school students in U.S.
• In 2015-16, 67 percent of charter school students identified as students of color, compared to 51 percent of district school students.
• In 2016-17, 60 percent of charter schools were independently managed and 26 percent were part of a non-profit CMO.
• Students in urban charter schools gained an additional 40 days in math and 28 days in reading per year compared to their district school peers.  Low-income Black and Hispanic students showed even more progress. (CREDO, 2015)
• In 2017, 6 of the 10 best high schools were charter schools, according to U.S. News and World Reports.
• There are more than 5 million additional students who say they would attend a public charter school if they had access. (PDK, 2017)

On Tuesday, May 22nd in Bellevue, and on Wednesday, May 23rd in Spokane, Liv Finne will host a panel discussion on charter schools at the Solutions Summit (https://www.washingtonpolicy.org/events/detail/western-washington-solutions-summit-2), an annual Washington Policy Center event and the state's premier statewide policy conference. Media are invited to attend and should RSVP to kbulger@washingtonpolicy.org.

For reaction to the State Supreme Court today and comment on charter schools contact:

Liv Finne, WPC Center for Education Reform Director

cell) 206-550-3868 or lfinne@washingtonpolicy.org