Group challenges ‘Race’ finalist lineup

• 2theadvocate
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• By WILL SENTELL
• Advocate Capitol News Bureau
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  Published: Aug 4, 2010 - Page: 12AA charter school advocacy group is questioning how four states made the list of finalists for $3.4 billion in federal prize dollars that are supposed to reward education innovation.

Louisiana, which is one of 19 finalists for “Race To The Top” dollars, is not a target of the criticism.

In fact, the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools says Louisiana has the ninth best charter school law in the nation.

But the group, based in Washington, D.C., is questioning the inclusion of Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina and Ohio as possible winners.

“I think the bottom line is that these states are essentially closed for business when it comes to creating new charter schools for families,” said Todd Ziebarth, vice president of state advocacy and support for  the group. “And Kentucky is one of 10 states that does not have a charter school law,” he said.

“In terms of “Race To The Top it seems strange that these states . . . would be on the list of finalists,” he said...