2022

Houston, We’ve Got a Problem – Our Advocacy Now is Unimaginative

The CharterFolk post discusses reader feedback about a previous article and highlights challenges faced in promoting parent empowerment proposals in education. It emphasizes a perceived lack of creativity in current advocacy efforts amidst urgent demands for innovative solutions, urging the community to develop new, effective policy ideas for improving education options.

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When Schools Work … For Them – The Impact of Insiders on Education in Los Angeles Over the Past Quarter Century, Part One

The author critiques Bruce Fuller’s book “When Schools Work,” arguing that it misrepresents the influence of insiders on education reform in Los Angeles. Highlights include the insufficient support for Open Court literacy programs and the misleading portrayal of successful initiatives, emphasizing that significant changes came through outsider engagement rather than insider efforts.

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6000 Readers Now! | Talking About My Mama | Trying to Make Us Invisible | Speaking on the Lower Frequencies

The CharterFolk community welcomes nearly 6,000 readers, highlighting the growth from under 600 in two years. The author reflects on Los Angeles’ significant charter school advancements and the importance of acknowledging these contributions amidst misrepresentations. The goal is to unite voices to amplify the impact of charter schools in public education.

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Correcting the Miseducation of a Superintendent | A Critique of the Book “Schools that Work” | The Unique Opportunity to Learn From LEARN

The author reflects on recent educational developments in Los Angeles, discussing efforts to counter anti-charter legislation and acknowledging the significance of recent wins for charter school advocates. The post acknowledges a report on educational progress but critiques its underrepresentation of charter schools’ contribution to improved performance, promising further exploration of these themes in future writings.

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Forever Young|Kids These Days|Unintended Consequences|An Article on Polling Trends Misses the Trends

The author expresses gratitude to the CharterFolk community while reflecting on achievements and challenges. Weekend engagement is rising, with readership significantly growing since June 2020. The importance of unity in advocating for charter schools is emphasized, alongside commentary on public support trends, unintended consequences of policy changes, and the pivotal role of strong support versus opposition in shaping the future of charter education.

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CharterFolk Contributor Caprice Young – The Movement Matures, Matters Even More

Caprice Young, an experienced educational leader, highlights the vital role of charter founders in transforming public education. By combining vision with community engagement, planning, advocacy, and entrepreneurship, they create schools that address underserved needs. Young emphasizes the importance of collaboration and resilience within the CharterFolk movement, supporting democracy and continuous improvement in education.

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One Time Fits All – 6 Million Kids Get Another 30 Minutes of Shut-Eye While All of Public Education Goes A Little More to Sleep

California’s recent law mandating that public high schools start no earlier than 8:30 aims to combat teen sleep deprivation. While supporters argue for improved student well-being, critics question the trade-offs, suggesting it limits community flexibility and ignores broader educational needs, as evidenced by the challenges faced by students in balancing school and extracurricular commitments.

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5280 Pages in a “Freedom School’s” Petition – The Mile High Regulation that Threatens Us Now

This week, Ariel Johnson assumed leadership of the DC Charter School Alliance, following Shannon Hodge’s successful tenure. The contributor column by Jose Perez and Joe Nathan emphasizes the importance of service learning in charter schools. Concerns over excessive regulation threatening innovation in the charter movement continue, highlighted by a recent stringent charter application process.

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CharterFolk Contributors Jose Perez and Joe Nathan:  A Plea to Build on Students’ Strengths and Change the World

Jose Perez and Joe Nathan urge schools to focus on students’ strengths, promoting leadership opportunities. Highlighting their experiences, they advocate for a positive school culture that fosters individual goal-setting and real-world problem-solving. This asset-based approach enhances academic skills while cultivating resilient, engaged citizens, emphasizing that deep learning can transform lives.

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