House Hearing Focuses on Charter Schools
On Wednesday, the House Education and the Workforce Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education held a hearing, Reimagining Education: How Charter Schools are Closing Gaps and Opening Doors. The hearing included testimony from four expert witnesses, notably Eva Moskowitz, CEO of Success Academy Charter Schools, and Dr. Genevieve Siegel-Hawley, a professor at Virginia Commonwealth University. Subcommittee Chairman Kevin Kiley (R-CA) and other supporters praised charter schools for driving innovation and improving academic achievement. Moskowitz warned of the consequences of low-quality schools, advocating for charter schools. Meanwhile, several Committee Members raised concerns about segregation and accountability, particularly for students of color and those with disabilities. Dr. Siegel-Hawley highlighted that charter schools enroll fewer students with disabilities, often those with milder conditions, and stressed the need for stronger oversight to ensure inclusivity and high-quality services.