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The Center For Charter Schools at Central Michigan University

Proving the Promise

Charter public schools began as a promise that:

  • Providing all parents with a choice as to which school their child will attend will transform public education.
  • Competition created by a diverse, dynamic educational marketplace will drive all schools to improve.
  • Schools will be held accountable to high standards that citizens demand of public schools and students deserve.

Central Michigan University embraced this promise in 1994, becoming the first university in the nation to authorize a charter public school. Throughout its history of leadership, CMU has been pioneering new initiatives that improve educational options for all and set high standards for school accountability and oversight.

This is a sign that the promise is being kept and that the charter strategy for improving public education is working. Learn more about CMU’s impact by clicking here.

Or, read the Center's Proving the Promise - 2008 and see how the charter promise is working to improve our state's schools and more importantly - the lives of children.

Center Highlights

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CMU Letter to the Editor of Ed Week

Letter from Jim Goenner to the editor of Education Week.
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Important ARRA Information for Schools from MDE

For the most up-to-date information on Michigan-related ARRA opportunities, please visit the Michigan Department of Education Web site. There, you will find memos outlining the latest details and requirements for ARRA funding along with FAQs and links to available grants and allocations.
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Testimony for the U.S. House of Representatives

Executive Director Jim Goenner’s Prepared Testimony for the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Education and Labor
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New! Photos of Testimony

Images from U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Education and Labor
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NEW! Center Releases 2009-10 Master Calendar

The Center for Charter Schools constantly works to provide accurate and up-to-date information to school administrators. The Master Calendar of Reporting Requirements is another tool to help streamline the many tasks an administrator has to manage.
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Two Michigan Charters Ranked Among America’s Best

Countryside Academy in Benton Harbor and the International Academy of Flint, both chartered by Central Michigan University (CMU), have been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as being among the best high schools in the nation.
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News

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E-News and Information

June 16, 2009
E-News and Information June 2009.
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Neighborhood School Bills Introduced In Senate

June 11, 2009
Neighborhood School Bills Introduced In Senate.
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State Senate GOP Plan to Shift School Control

June 11, 2009
State Senate GOP plan to shift school control.
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States Open to Charters Start Fast in Race to Top

June 10, 2009
The U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan told r....
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Science, math charter gets boost

May 20, 2009
A new science and math charter high school being b....
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Contest run has geography whiz on top of world

May 20, 2009
Contest run has geography whiz on top of world.
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