2023

What the Dust Bowl Conceals: The Single Most Important Defining Characteristic of Public Education

The post highlights recent columns emphasizing effective advocacy strategies for charter schools, contrasting reasonable discussion with aggressive action. Key developments include Iowa’s new universal ESA program attracting over 29,000 applicants, raising questions about public education’s role. The need for inclusivity in education is underscored, advocating for equitable access for all students.

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CharterFolk Contributor Bryce Adams – “The Kitchen Table”

Bryce Adams, Vice President of Government Affairs for TPCSA, emphasizes the importance of diverse school choices for families. He argues for a decentralized approach to education, advocating for high-quality options tailored to individual students. The “Kitchen Table” metaphor illustrates the need for inclusion and empowerment in decision-making about education, rather than exclusivity.

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WonkyFolk Vol 6 – Jed and Andy are Fragile Vessels

In this week’s episode of WonkyFolk, Andy and Jed discuss the Supreme Court’s refusal to hear Charter Day School, Inc. v. Peltier, its implications for charter schools, ongoing cases like affirmative action, the science of reading, and the influence of Moms for Liberty on education policies. Listening options include a podcast and YouTube video.

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Supreme Court Sanity; Conference Bedrock; How New Phenomenal Results Really Matter and Really Don’t

The Supreme Court’s refusal to hear the Peltier Case affirms that U.S. constitutional protections apply to charter schools, a significant win for the charter movement. At a recent conference, participants felt a renewed connection to fundamental issues and a sense of momentum, despite ongoing opposition, emphasizing the importance of staying grounded in their mission.

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CharterFolk Contributor Ariel Johnson – Following My Own Advice: Just Start – A Case Study on Building Advocacy Capacity

Ariel Johnson, Executive Director of the DC Charter School Alliance, returns as a Contributor Columnist, reflecting on her advocacy journey and the challenges faced by charter schools in DC. Amid budget inequities, her organization mobilized community engagement and successfully advocated for increased funding and salary equity for charter educators, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and tailored strategies in advocacy efforts.

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A Father’s Day Rummaging in the Garage Leads to Rumination About The Additional Vehicles We’ll Need to Cover Even More Ground Now

The author reflects on the influence of his father on his educational work and the significance of conversions in charter schools, highlighted by Gompers’ recent decertification from unionization. The piece emphasizes the importance of supporting conversions to improve existing schools and acknowledges the untapped potential within traditional educators.

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CharterFolk Contributor Tim Nicolette – Hope Emerging from Defeat: Lessons Learned from the Massachusetts Charter Sector

Tim Nicolette, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Charter Public School Association, discusses the aftermath of the 2016 defeat of Question 2, which significantly impacted charter support. He highlights how increased public and political support, strategic listening, advocacy efforts, and member investment resulted in policy wins and a revitalized charter sector in Massachusetts.

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CharterFolk Contributor Dr. Dale Caldwell – How One NJ Charter School Serving At-Risk Students Scored Massive Gains on State Tests Amid Significant Declines

Dr. Dale Caldwell, President of Centenary University, highlights the notable achievements of College Achieve Public Charter Schools (CAPS) in New Jersey, which have shown remarkable academic growth among underserved students despite pandemic-related challenges. CAPS prioritizes mental health, extensive tutoring, and innovative programs, aiming to close educational gaps and facilitate college readiness for students of color.

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WonkyFolk Vol 5 – Special CREDO Episode with Macke Raymond

This week, Andy and I interview Macke Raymond from CREDO about the National Charter School Study III, which compares academic performance in charter versus traditional public schools. Key topics include charter school successes, study methodology, performance expectations, and media interest in education policy. We appreciate Macke’s insights and contributions.

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Charter Schools Now Across the Country; More Good News Than We Know What to Do With; The Multi-Decade Lens; the Need For Generations of CharterFolk

The upcoming conference in Austin symbolizes a pivotal moment for charter schools in Texas, where recent legislative changes are improving the landscape for their growth. With successful initiatives across various states, including funding equity wins and the establishment of supportive organizations, there are encouraging signs for the national charter school movement’s future.

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