This week’s column features Kevin Mason from the Public Charter School Alliance of South Carolina, emphasizing the growth of charter schools since the 1996 enactment of the Charter Schools Act. With improved policies and funding reforms, over 90 charter schools now serve over 50,000 students, promising innovative educational options across the state.
Rhonda Dillingham discusses recent legislative progress for charter schools in North Carolina, highlighting two significant bills, HB 219 and HB 618, that enhance funding and oversight. The article emphasizes the importance of advocacy, collaboration, and vigilance in the legislative process, aiming to support quality education for all children in the state.
This week’s episode features Andy Rotherham discussing with Morgan Polikoff about public opinion on education, especially among parents, following the pandemic. They explore K-12 experiences, political influences, and the importance of accurate data to counteract misinformation. Key themes include controversial topics in schools and the disconnect between academic data and parental perceptions.
Kirsten Carr and James Dent discuss Navigator Schools’ student-led classroom model characterized by collaborative “squads” that enhance leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. Students actively participate in their learning, supporting one another to ensure mastery of content. The model fosters a supportive environment, emphasizing student accountability and engagement.
Good morning, CharterFolk! Today we are pleased to share a contributor column from Rashaun Kemp, the Senior Director of Advocacy and Stakeholder Engagement at the National Charter Collaborative (NCC). I provide Rashaun’s bio below. Rashaun is the Senior Director of Advocacy and Stakeholder Engagement at the National Charter Collaborative, where he is focused on amplifying
Good morning, CharterFolk! Today we are pleased to share a contributor column from Peter Thorp. I provide Peter’s bio below. In his 5 decades of educational experience, Peter Thorp has completed the “trifecta” of service–23 years of independent boarding schools; a dozen years as the founding principal of Gateway High School in San Francisco (now
Lydia Hoffman, a partner at the Charter School Growth Fund, discusses the need for charter schools to enhance educational experiences for diverse learners, particularly students with disabilities. She emphasizes collaboration, inclusive practices, and family engagement while identifying barriers like funding disparities and the siloing of special education that hinder progress. Through successful examples, she advocates for listening to student and family voices to improve outcomes.
Nina Rees is being recognized for her exceptional leadership at the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools as she announces her departure at the year’s end. Her tenure marked a significant renaissance for the Alliance, overcoming numerous challenges and enhancing its influence, funding, and advocacy. CharterFolk express deep gratitude for her contributions.
Dr. Kathleen Hermsmeyer advocates for flex-based schools as a solution to current educational challenges. These hybrid models offer personalized, flexible learning environments tailored to students’ needs, enabling them to engage in real-world applications. With rising student disengagement, flex schools provide hope for an innovative, inclusive education system that values individual learning journeys.
Dr. David Akdemir, Executive Director of Harmony Education Solutions, emphasizes the importance of collaboration among charter schools in enhancing educational opportunities. He discusses how sharing resources, advocating for policies, and mentoring emerging schools can lead to innovation and improved student outcomes, ultimately transforming the educational landscape for all students.