The Charter School of Educational Excellence in Yonkers exemplifies community impact through its dedicated founders, including Eduardo LaGuerre and Cindy Lopez. Despite local opposition, they strive to expand educational opportunities, underscoring the importance of collaboration and commitment to student success.
The post reflects on the importance of unity among CharterFolk in the face of challenges. It emphasizes rejecting dualistic thinking, which divides, and instead fostering collaboration and shared vision to strengthen the charter school movement for the benefit of all students.
Scott Pearson shares insights from his tenure with the DC Public Charter School Board, highlighting key strategies for advancing charter schools, including accountability, ecosystem support, and community engagement. He emphasizes the importance of balancing charters with traditional schools for broader political acceptance.
Recent trends indicate growth in charter schools amidst struggles in traditional public schools. Developments in DC and New Orleans highlight this positive shift, supported by new research showing charter schools improve outcomes for underserved students, fostering a new narrative for the movement.
Michelle Parada, Co-Founder and Lead Teacher of All Tribes American Indian Charter School, is recognized as CharterFolk Extraordinaire for her exceptional commitment to education. Her efforts in creating a charter school deeply rooted in the Rincon Indian Reservation community address educational shortcomings, advocate for charter schools, and exemplify care for students, including fostering children in need.
CharterFolk recently completed the transition to charterfolk.org and appreciates ongoing support, with over 60 new subscribers. The update emphasizes the need for advocacy organizations to balance expertise with grassroots strength. It highlights the challenges faced by charter schools and stresses the importance of collaboration and united efforts to achieve advocacy success.
CharterFolk released an engaging interview with Howard Fuller, a pivotal figure in charter education. Fuller shares insights on education reform, systemic racism, the purpose of charter schools, and the need for transformational change. He emphasizes actionable strategies for advocacy and encourages a focus on the needs of kids and families in education.
This week’s posts will be delayed due to technology issues. The charter school movement lacks political capacity, relying on external partners for advocacy, which is problematic. There is an urgent need to build electoral responsibility within the movement to enhance political strength and avoid adverse consequences for schools and families.
The update discusses the importance of membership associations in the charter school movement for building advocacy strength. The author argues that these organizations, through formal connections with members, provide essential support for advocacy, resource mobilization, and political engagement. Various criticisms against these associations are addressed, reinforcing their unique role in fostering collective power.
CharterFolk is gaining momentum with nearly 50 new subscribers and plans for engaging content, including interviews and guest columns. A focus on advocacy organization structures is emphasized to strengthen charter school representation. The importance of grassroots support and coherence in advocacy efforts is highlighted as crucial for future success.