2022 - CharterFolk

CharterFolk Contributor Dr. Christopher Manning – Honoring My Spirit School, A Visit to a Charter School that Changed My Life

March 10, 2022

Dr. Christopher Manning, CEO of Buffalo Creek Academy, reflects on his journey and the influence of his “spirit school,” Purpose Preparatory Charter. Through his experiences in high-performance charter schools, he emphasizes the importance of school culture and intentionality. Manning aims to replicate these qualities at BCA, fostering a strong community and coaching environment for students.

Going Red or Going Blue? A Response to Rick Hess and Nina Rees Writing About the Threat that Political Polarization Poses to Charter Schools

March 9, 2022

The post expresses gratitude for community engagement and growth within CharterFolk while celebrating the Broncos’ support for charter schools. It discusses challenges such as political polarization impacting the charter movement and emphasizes the importance of maintaining bipartisan support. It urges collective action to ensure the future strength of the charter school movement.

CharterFolk Community Update – 5,000+ Readers, 500+* Paid-Subscribers, 50+ CharterFolk Champs, $50,000+ in Philanthropic Matches, & 5+ Ways You Can Help

March 7, 2022

In March 2022, CharterFolk celebrates surpassing 5,000 readers and aims to grow its paid subscriber base to 500 by June 30. The Board introduced a “CharterFolk Champions” program to recruit subscribers for outreach. Philanthropic efforts include match challenges, with a goal to avoid dependency on donations.

The Five Boosters Ready to Lift Off Our Collective Rocketship In Communities Across the Country

March 4, 2022

The post discusses the importance of grassroots advocacy and parent involvement in the charter school movement. It reflects on Arne’s decision against running for mayor, emphasizes challenges in gaining support for charter schools, and highlights successful efforts in Texas and New Jersey to mobilize parents in advocacy. The piece concludes with a vision for expanding charter schools nationwide.

CharterFolk Contributor Kimi Kean – Coming Soon to a Town Near You

March 3, 2022

Kimi Kean, CEO of Families in Action for Quality Education, emphasizes the importance of involving parents and youth in advocating for quality education in Oakland. Kean’s organization seeks to empower families, address educational disparities, and foster collaboration between schools and the community. Listening to stakeholders is crucial for effective educational reform.

CharterFolk Contributor Lety Gómez – Report From Texas: Finding My Voice, My Power, and My Path

March 2, 2022

Lety Gómez, Senior Education Organizer at Rocketship Texas, emphasizes the critical role of parent advocacy in achieving educational equity. Her journey from a frustrated student to an empowered leader illustrates how organizing families can disrupt systemic injustices in education. Rocketship’s effective model empowers parents to advocate for their children’s futures and strengthen community ties.

Two Great New Studies Show “All Boats Rising” But Sea Changes Ahead Require a New Theory of Action

March 1, 2022

Two recent studies show that charter schools positively impact learning in all public schools. This counters arguments claiming that charter growth harms traditional schools. As the charter movement evolves, there’s a shift from “excellence-led” to “equity-led” theories, emphasizing the need to address historical inequities for a more effective educational system.

The State of Education Now is the State of California: San Francisco Unified, the Leaning Tower of Public Education

February 26, 2022

The post discusses the urgent challenges facing public education in California, particularly in San Francisco, where systemic accountability is lacking. The San Francisco Unified School District exemplifies these issues, as it struggles with poor education quality and insufficient oversight, prompting calls for reform and effective leadership to address deep-rooted problems.

The Difference Between Charter School People and CharterFolk, and Why We Want our People Reading CharterFolk

February 22, 2022

The post discusses the evolving nature of CharterFolk as it experiences significant growth. It emphasizes the importance of fostering a sense of belonging among charter school constituents, differentiating between those involved in charter schools and those who identify as CharterFolk. Encouraging more individuals to embrace this identity is vital for advocacy efforts.

Rotherham, Ponce, Peiser, Brantley and Armbrust Kicking Off Our Charter Challenges Series: The Challenge of Growth in Unprecedented Times

February 17, 2022

CharterFolk introduces a new interview series addressing key challenges within the charter school community, featuring prominent leaders like Andy Rotherham and Pat Brantley. The discussions aim to enhance understanding of ongoing issues, foster deeper conversations, and explore solutions for growth amid current challenges faced by charter schools. Upcoming discussions are anticipated.