Legislation in Florida would allow parents to vote to restructure a public school into a private or charter model.
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There's a significant buzz out of Florida regarding proposed legislation that would enact a so-called "Parent Trigger:" Dissatisfied families could vote to have a local public school undergo significant restructuring including being converted to a charter school or turned over to a private operator.
Similar legislation has passed in California and Texas, not without controversy and ensuing conflict, and Indiana is also considering enacting a parent trigger.
Here's part of the problem: There's no clear picture of what happens once the trigger is pulled or much hard evidence that the students would ultimately benefit from the intervention.
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Florida is ranked third in the nation for its charter school laws, according to the latest report from the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools. Among the elements that earned the Sunshine State high marks is its lack of a cap on the number of charter schools permitted. Florida also allows state universities and community college boards to authorize specific types of charter schools, opening up additional avenues beyond the local school board.