Happy Holidays, CharterFolk. 2024 marks the fifth year I have been working on CharterFolk as my little service project to the movement. Prior editions of year end reviews can be found here. 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 Maybe the biggest news at CharterFolk this year is that we’re becoming something more than “a
This week, we are excited to profile Kelly Garrett, Executive Director of KIPP St. Louis, an extraordinary leader who has dedicated his career to transforming education for underserved communities. Teach For America hooked Kelly Garrett into the world of education. After earning a degree in religious studies with a minor in international studies from Rhodes
Happy Thursday, CharterFolk. I hope you’re all headed into great holidays. Andy and I are happy to share our last WonkyFolk recording of the year. Here is a link to the podcast. You can also access it here on YouTube. We missed our November recording due to me coming down with the crud. It left us a lot
MIT Blueprint Labs has launched the Charter School Research Collaborative to address gaps in understanding charter school impacts as their enrollment rises. The Collaborative connects stakeholders to promote rigorous research on long-term effects, funding impacts, and context variations. Grants support diverse studies to inform equitable education policies, enhancing evidence-based decision-making.
Oliver Sicat, CEO of Ednovate, overcame rejection to become a leader in education, founding a successful charter management organization for first-generation college-bound students. Inspired by innovative schools, he reshaped educational assessment and now mentors future leaders, fostering a culture of collaboration and commitment to social impact in the charter school movement.
The “education depression” is real and dire, with academic performance plummeting and charter schools unfairly vilified. As public school enrollment drops and closures loom, many families seek alternatives. New Zealand’s progressive housing and education reforms offer hope. The future requires bold changes, with charter schools pivotal in overcoming crises.
Mark Medema’s Contributor Column discusses the critical issue of facilities in charter school growth. FRED, an initiative for Financing and Real Estate Development, aims to unite stakeholders to address real estate needs. The column highlights collaboration, policy advocacy, and systemic solutions as key components to strengthen the charter school facility ecosystem.
The National Charter School Founders Library honored Linda Brown with a video tribute featuring prominent figures discussing her impact. The post emphasizes the importance of changing life trajectories for individuals in the movement and highlights the shifting Democratic support for charter schools. It calls for proactive strategies to promote equitable public education reform.
Shara Hegde, CEO of Alpha Public Schools, transitioned from a law career to education, joining Teach For America and founding Cornerstone Academy. Her advocacy intensified after facing opposition in 2019. Recognized for her leadership, Shara emphasizes collaboration among charter leaders and launched a political action committee to support quality education in Santa Clara County.
Noah Devine, Executive Director of the Missouri Charter Public Schools Association, highlights recent achievements of Missouri’s charter schools, noting significant academic improvements and growing public support. Legislative wins have enabled funding equity and expansion, enhancing educational opportunities. The charter school community’s dedication promises continued progress in access to high-quality education for Missouri students.