Texas commissioner wants to make it easier for charter schools to expand

From The Austin American-Statesman: Texas Education Commissioner Robert Scott says he intends to make it easier for high-performing charter schools in the state to expand. News about the charter expansions comes as the federal government is set to announce eligibility rules for stimulus money under a $4 billion innovation initiative called Race to the Top. Education Secretary Arne Duncan says he will look more favorably on states without caps on charter school numbers. Texas' 15-member State Board of Education has the authority to approve up to 215 charters, and Texas is at the cap. The commissioner, meanwhile, can approve applications for additional campuses under an existing charter.