The charter school movement has entered a “beyond the beginning” era following the NEA’s 2017 policy shift, which prioritized opposition to charter schools. This has led to increased polarization in education policies between red and blue states, creating both challenges and opportunities for charter schools as they seek bipartisan support and navigate an evolving landscape.
In this week’s Thanksgiving-themed episode of WonkyFolk, hosts Andy and Jed share their personal and professional gratitude. They discuss traditions, recent positive developments in education reform, CMO leadership strategies, Virginia election outcomes, and public satisfaction with schools. Links to related articles and episodes are also provided.
Charter schools in Idaho are experiencing significant growth, with enrollment nearly doubling as new funding emerges. This contrasts with urban districts facing a “doom loop” due to fiscal mismanagement and declining student populations. However, charter schools maintain higher academic performance, offering a potential path to revitalizing urban education and cities overall.
The article discusses the introduction of “Community Choice Schools” in Montana, aiming to provide school choice amid legal challenges from traditional education groups. While the passage of House Bill 562 is threatened by lawsuits questioning its constitutionality, advocates remain optimistic about the future of education options in the state, highlighting the demand for alternative schooling methods.
The post reflects on recent developments in education policy, particularly regarding charter schools. It acknowledges collaborative efforts in special education, analyzes election outcomes in Virginia and Denver, and highlights the legacy of former New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson as a champion for charter schools. The author emphasizes the importance of conviction and continuity within the charter movement.
Dr. Erin Studer, Executive Director at the CHIME Institute, discusses the challenges and opportunities in special education, highlighting the need for collaboration and better funding. He notes that both charter and public schools struggle to serve students with disabilities but advocates for charter schools to lead innovations in inclusive education.
The journey of completing the Camino de Santiago, marked by a million steps, encapsulates profound experiences and connections. Over 33 days, walkers encountered challenges, formed friendships, and discovered shared life stories, all while pursuing their goal of reaching Santiago. The enriching, communal nature of the path fosters personal growth and resilience.
Hanna Skandera, president and CEO of the Daniels Fund, advocates for school choice, emphasizing its role in improving educational outcomes. The Fund aims to increase non-traditional school enrollment by 100,000 seats by 2030. Amid political challenges, Skandera highlights the need for diverse educational options to meet students’ unique needs and promote success.
In this episode of WonkyFolk, Andy and Cara Fitzpatrick discuss the history and current state of school choice in America, as explored in her book, “The Death of Public School.” They delve into political factors, differing motivations behind school choice, and its impact on education, particularly concerning low-income children and legal issues.
Alex Johnston, president of Building Impact Partners, discusses the increasing challenges nonprofit leaders face in fundraising. Many feel overwhelmed, unsupported, and unsure about donor engagement. He invites them to explore new strategies via his upcoming webinars, focusing on enhancing relevance, relationships, referrals, and reputation to foster more effective fundraising approaches.