Secretary Spellings hosted the National Charter School Policy Forum on May 5, 2008, to kick-off National Charter Schools Week.

This event brought together 100 of the nation's foremost charter school leaders representing philanthropy, research, and practice. The panel discussants and forum participants participated in an interactive and engaging conversation about the next generation of charter schools. The forum's panels focused on three key topics:

• The Intersection of Charter Schools and Philanthropy in developing and expanding strong systems of quality charter schools and increasing parental options;
• Increasing Charter School Capacity in Urban Centers through strategic partnerships, authorizing practices, and replication of successful models; and
• Ensuring Charter School Quality over Mediocrity in the design and implementation of quality charter schools in urban and rural areas, especially in areas where the need for quality schools is most pressing.

In response to the National Charter School Policy forum discussion, a policy report will be published to further assist and guide the Department and national charter leaders in supporting the next generation of charter schools. The policy report will capture the depth and direction of the Policy Forum conversation framed by current charter school research and policy. The document will highlight the central points made by the discussants, as well as questions and comments from members of the audience.

• PDF (1.18MB) Agenda, Framework and Biographies