2021

Superintendents Who Walk Away; Marten and the Anti-Charter Tax; The Four Building Blocks that Drive Narrative

The post discusses the recent resignations of superintendents like Vince Matthews due to board opposition, highlighting a broader leadership crisis in public education. It emphasizes the need for charter schools to create a strong local narrative through representative organizations and meaningful policy proposals to combat negative perceptions and drive public support for their movement.

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CharterFolk Contributor Laura McGowan-Robinson–Racial Diversity Work Starts with You

Laura McGowan-Robinson, CEO of the Diversity in Leadership Institute, emphasizes the necessity of racial diversity in educational leadership to address systemic inequities. She advocates for self-awareness among leaders, urging them to recognize their roles in perpetuating or disrupting inequity. Effective change requires ongoing commitment, community engagement, and inclusive practices.

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Legislator Audacity; Covid Bails Out Districts; Textbook Ravitch; and a North Star for Educational Redlining

Recent articles highlight how local control in California has stalled Covid school reopenings, with calls for improved strategies from legislators. There’s also a discussion on educational equity versus excellence, emphasizing the need to address both issues simultaneously. Effective narratives and policy proposals are crucial for advancing public education and overcoming long-standing inequities.

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CharterFolk X Vol 29, Dr. Blondean Davis – Taking Inspiration from Her Mother to Release Potential and Possibility in All Students

Dr. Blondean Davis, CEO of Southland College Prep and Superintendent of Matteson School District, is celebrated for her exceptional contributions to education in Chicago. Inspired by her mother, she has dedicated her career to improving student opportunities, leading Southland to academic excellence and substantial scholarship earnings, while advocating for women’s leadership in education.

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Playground Politics – How Up Became Down and What We Do About It

The recent removal of problematic language in West Virginia’s education bill represents a significant advancement for school choice. This update, coupled with Sonia Park’s discussion on supporting charter school advocates amidst societal pressure, highlights the urgent need for better advocacy strategies. The educational equity issues raised require immediate attention across the U.S.

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CharterFolk Contributor Sonia Park – Playground Politics

Sonia Park discusses the misconceptions surrounding charter schools in a playground conversation, emphasizing the importance of advocacy and education access. She reflects on the pressures of navigating educational choices in a diverse yet inequitable landscape. Ultimately, her insights encourage families to consider the opportunities charter schools provide for all students, promoting inclusivity and equity.

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CharterFolk X Vol 28 – Eddie Conger, Modeling How to Face Challenges by Putting Others Before Self

Eddie Conger, Founder and Superintendent of International Leadership Texas, is celebrated as CharterFolk Extraordinaire for his significant contributions to education. He transitioned from military service to teaching, ultimately founding a successful charter school promoting multilingualism and leadership. Under his guidance, IL Texas has expanded to serve 21,000 students, embodying the motto “Others Before Self.”

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What Will Really Make the Unions Overplay Their Hand

The author reflects on the current state of charter schools and the role of teacher unions, arguing it’s crucial for the charter movement to assert its position against union narratives. Emphasizing a united approach is vital, the author suggests that the success with families of color can be leveraged to advocate for students’ needs and counter union influence.

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CharterFolk Chat #7 – Nella Garcia Urban, Challenging the Charter School Movement to Sponsor a New Generation of Latino Leadership

In a recent CharterFolk Chat, Nella Garcia Urban, Chief Program Officer for Yes Prep Public Schools, emphasizes the crucial role of Latino educators in improving educational opportunities for Latino students. She discusses the importance of diversity, mentorship, and representation within the charter school movement to foster future leadership and advocate for equity and inclusion.

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