年高二英语话题阅读训练-Week-Eight学校教育.docVIP

Week Eight 学校教育 一、阅读理解（共15小题；共30.0分） A SEATTLE-Washington voters have narrowly approved an initiative(优先权) that clears the way for up to 40 charter schools to be opened in the state over the next five years. Washington becomes the 42nd state to allow the public independent schools. But opponents werent willing to acknowledge defeat on Monday. Its a close race, said Marianne Bichsel, spokeswoman for People for Our Public Schools, which opposed the measure. We are going to wait until every vote is counted. Jennifer Boutell, a Tacoma parent who served as field director for People for Our Public Schools, said the close vote on charters reflects voter feelings. They want to talk about real solutions, and how we can fund our schools. she said. This is the fourth time a charter school proposal has been on the ballot in Washington state. Voters rejected charter schools in 1996, 2000 and 2004. Supporters say the charter proposal would offer new choices for struggling kids and their families. Opponents say charters have a mixed track record in other states and they would take away money from existing public schools. Supporters of charter schools raised more than $10 million to promote the idea, including $3 million from Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates. Gates has been a supporter of charters in other states. Charter opponents with the People for Our Public Schools group had the support of the Washington Education Association—the states largest teachers union—and its parent organization, the National Education Association. But that campaign raised just more than $632,000. Charter schools would need to be free and open to all students. They would receive public funding based on student enrollment, like other public schools. But charter schools would be free from some state regulations, including some of the rules regarding the hiring and firing of teachers. 1. What is the best title for the passage?