CharterFolk is launching a new quarterly feature called “CharterFolk on the Move,” curated by Mollie Mitchell, a veteran in educational recruitment. This initiative revives her previous newsletter, “Ed Reformers On the Move,” highlighting job changes in the education sector. Updates can be submitted via email, with the first edition due tomorrow.
CharterFolk reports high open rates and growing readership, with new board members joining to enhance growth. A significant decline in church attendance reflects a broader trend in education, where faith in traditional schools is waning despite ongoing financial support. Changes in leadership in Los Angeles schools present an opportunity for reform and renewal in public education’s vision.
Chris Topham, Executive Director of Sebastopol Independent Charter School, reflects on the evolution and significance of Waldorf education within charter schools. Since 1996, these schools have provided an accessible alternative to private Waldorf education, emphasizing personal development alongside academics, and fostering strong teacher-student relationships. The growth of this model continues to inspire.
The author reflects on a crucial shift within the charter school movement, advocating for an embrace of both “charterness” and “publicness.” They argue that downplaying “charterness” has not reduced opposition and has hurt public understanding. Emphasizing accurate messaging about charter schools is essential for gaining support and fostering internal cohesion among stakeholders.
Brittany Kinser, CEO of City Forward Collective, advocates for equitable education funding in Milwaukee. Following a historic budget increase of over $140 million, Kinser emphasizes parent engagement and community collaboration as vital in addressing funding disparities. Through strategic advocacy and mobilization, they’ve begun shifting the educational narrative in Wisconsin.
The post discusses various challenges in education, highlighting the barriers affluent communities create around schools, likened to border walls. It addresses declining sales in educational publishing due to restrictive laws and emphasizes that students today read less, limiting their literacy. Overall, it underscores significant obstacles in education and the need for advocacy.
The post reflects on the legacy of Rick Piercy, a visionary charter school educator who founded the Academy for Academic Excellence and innovatively taught science. He passed away, leaving behind a lasting impact on education. The author also discusses the challenges of maintaining CharterFolk’s integrity while navigating potential risks and emphasizes consistency in evaluating charter schools’ performance.
This article features a contributor column from Kristin Levine and Mike Montoya of Stronger Consulting, addressing the significant challenges schools face, especially post-pandemic. They propose short-term design sprints alongside long-term strategic planning to achieve incremental improvements and sustainable success in education, emphasizing the importance of focused efforts and strong implementation support.
The post reflects on the significance of May 11th, emphasizing the ongoing crisis in public education revealed by recent NWEA data. It critiques the actions of organizations like the NEA that undermine assessment messengers while highlighting parents’ growing awareness of their children’s learning challenges. The author predicts a shift in educational power to parents moving forward.
Wendy Edwards, Executive Director of Early Childhood Academy Public Charter School, reflects on her journey as an educator in D.C. She emphasizes that effective teaching stems from dedicated professionals who adapt to their students’ needs, rather than from educational initiatives. Good teachers drive student success through their commitment and understanding of learning processes.