Debate is growing over the expansion of the charter school Achievement First in Providence. 

The school wants state approval to operate a total of three elementary schools, three middle schools and a high school.

The state Council on Elementary and Secondary Education is expected to vote on the proposal later this month. Education Commissioner Ken Wagner supports the plan, and he explained why in a conversation with Rhode Island Public Radio’s Elisabeth Harrison.

Elisabeth Harrison's journalism background includes everything from behind-the-scenes work with the CBS Evening News to freelance documentary production. She joined the WRNI team in 2007 as a Morning Edition...