The purpose of this hearing was to examine how charter schools can be used as a tool to drive innovation in schools. Specifically discussed was legislation introduced by Rep. Polis that would expand access to outstanding charter schools. This hearing kicked off a larger conversation about how the country can educate its way to a better economy by overhauling the nation's primary education law. Hon. George Miller [chairman of the committee] presided. Those who presented prepared statements before the committee included: Hon. Bill Cassidy, Representative in Congress From the State of Louisiana; Hon. Jared Polis, Representative in Congress From the State of Colorado; Eva Moskowitz, CEO and Founder, Harlem Success Academy; Robin J. Lake, Associate Director, Center on Reinventing Public Education; Thomas Hehir, Professor, Harvard Graduate School of Education; Greg Richmond, President & CEO, the National Association of Charter School Authorizers; Eileen M. Ahearn, Project Director, National Association of State Directors of Special Education; Caprice Young, President and CEO, KC Distance Learning; Board Chairman, National Alliance for Public Charter Schools; and Vernon J. Ehlers, Representative in Congress From the State of Michigan.