The Kids Can't Wait

Charter schools' track record in New York, success in Harlem. NY Times:

Chancellor Joel I. Klein has encouraged the educational ferment. "We're moving on all fronts," he said in an interview. "When I took over the job, what was the lowest performing district? District 5, Harlem. What you do is try to create opportunity."

Mr. Klein said: "I want parents to say, 'Look, we could lose people to charter schools if our school doesn't improve. Competition in this thing works."

There is demonstrated success using this model of charter schools, growing nationally, KIPP (Knowledge is Power Program). There are two in Chicago, here and here.

A local Harlem charter network has also sprung up, Village Academies.

We need to move more quickly in Illinois and at least lift the cap on charters. The kids can't wait.