The author reflects on editorial integrity in a recent LA Times editorial that softened its original headline. They critique the LA Times for failing to address the exodus of students from public schools, suggesting this indicates a systemic failure. The piece calls for charter advocates to lead discussions on the future of public education.
Recent developments at CharterFolk highlight the approval of Nashville Classical’s appeal, crucial for many families, alongside issues facing San Francisco Unified, which faces significant budget deficits amid declining enrollment. Additionally, the LA Times editorial board’s inconsistent opinions on Tony Thurmond raise concerns about quality journalism and its impact on public education discourse.
Arthur Samuels and Pagee Cheung, founders of the Math, Engineering, Science Academy (MESA) in Brooklyn, are celebrated for their initiative to create a “13th grade” program. This program aims to support graduates in their transition to college or workforce training, reflecting MESA’s commitment to high-quality education for underserved communities since its founding in 2013.
The post discusses the detrimental effects of NIMBYism on educational opportunities in California, comparing it to the housing crisis. It highlights regulatory hurdles imposed by the NEA and local districts that hinder charter school growth. The need for innovative solutions, such as a ballot measure to prioritize students’ educational rights, is emphasized.
Natalie Hester, the Senior Vice President of Policy at the Washington State Charter Schools Association, emphasizes the importance of advocacy for equitable funding for charter schools. Despite a strong racial equity message, past legislative efforts have failed. Hester advocates for community organizing and grassroots engagement to empower families and elevate their voices for policy change.
The post emphasizes the importance of advocacy for charter schools in Tennessee, highlighting recent legislative changes that empower a new state commission to approve charters statewide. It contrasts this progress with states like California and Illinois, where local entities are granted more power, leading to stagnation and negative impacts on educational opportunities, particularly for underprivileged families.
In May, monthly digests of CharterFolk articles resumed after a hiatus. This month, $50,000 in match contributions were secured, emphasizing the need for paid subscriptions. Four profiles and a CharterFolk Chat were published, alongside contributor columns highlighting advocacy stories from various states. Overall readership increased to 1,320 with 250 paid subscribers.
David Mansouri, President and CEO of SCORE, outlines Tennessee’s educational progress, particularly in charter schools, which serve over 44,000 students, primarily students of color. He emphasizes the importance of strong policy, bipartisan support, and effective leadership. Going forward, increasing facilities, funding, and parent involvement is crucial for future growth in education.
The post discusses the challenges in education, particularly regarding school choice and racial segregation. It critiques centralized school lotteries for perpetuating inequity, contrasting them with charter schools that aim to provide better opportunities for underserved students. It advocates for a collective movement to dismantle educational redlines and promote equitable access to quality education.
Jennifer López, CEO of Carmen Schools of Science and Technology in Milwaukee, is honored as CharterFolk Extraordinaire. A daughter of Salvadoran immigrants, she faced educational challenges and rose through teaching roles to lead Carmen, known for exceptional college readiness rates. Her leadership during the COVID-19 crisis further solidified her impact, earning recognition as a key Latino figure in Wisconsin.