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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowLegislation aimed at expanding charter schools in Indiana has cleared the Indiana House.
The House approved the proposal Tuesday on a 59-37 mostly party-line vote following hours of debate. Republicans say the bill would mean more options for families, while Democrats contend that it will erode funding for traditional schools.
The bill next heads to the Republican-controlled Indiana Senate for consideration.
The legislation supported by Gov. Mitch Daniels aims to expand charter schools, which are public schools that are free of certain state regulations and often free of union contracts. That freedom lets them take a more nimble approach to education.
Currently, only school boards, the mayor of Indianapolis and public colleges that offer four-year degrees can start charter schools. The state currently has more than 60 charter schools.
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