The Chicago field hearing was the third in a series the committee has conducted to learn from states and communities about what works in education reform. The hearings also highlight how President Bush s proposal can help improve student achievement on a national level. In 1995, the Illinois Legislature placed Chicago Mayor Richard Daley in control of the city s failing public school system, which operates 601 schools that serve almost 432,000 students. As a result, Chicago students have experienced rising test scores on state and locally administered tests, as well as college entrance exams. Moreover, graduation rates are on the rise and dropout rates have been declining.
Charter schools are an important part of the success formula in Chicago.
The committee held the hearing at the Chicago International Charter School, Bucktown Campus. James K. Murphy, founder of the Chicago Charter School Foundation, testified that his schools, which serve 2,450 students on four campuses, were given the needed flexibility to succeed. These freedoms are imperative to the success of charter schools. Michael Milkie, principal of the Noble Street Charter High School, stressed the accountability of charter schools. We have an accountability agreement with the Chicago Public Schools, and we are accountable to our parents.