2024

The post discusses the importance of collaboration and unity among charter school leaders, highlighting contributions from Emilio Pack and Casey Taylor in strengthening community ties. It addresses recent legislative victories and challenges faced in Michigan, emphasizing the necessity for a new advocacy framework or “North Star” to counter growing criticisms and effectively promote charter schools.

The article discusses the decline in children’s reading for pleasure, attributing it mainly to the pressures of No Child Left Behind and Common Core. These policies drive teachers to focus on test preparation rather than engaging students with whole narratives. The discussion highlights broader societal influences and criticizes oversimplified blame on educational reforms.

The post honors the legacy of charter school leaders like Gene Piccolo, Ramona, and others, emphasizing the importance of understanding the history of the charter school movement. It argues that recognizing past contributions fuels current efforts and inspires future generations, countering the notion that history is irrelevant. The upcoming national conference in Boston will further explore these themes.

The post thanks contributor Raj Thakkar for his work and highlights the importance of financial accountability in charter schools. It discusses challenges regarding unrepresentative policy-making bodies and emphasizes the need for advocacy to empower stakeholder representation. The author calls for strategic involvement from parents to influence legislative leaders effectively.

The piece critiques the hypocrisy of education proponents who label charter schools as unaccountable while engaging in questionable practices themselves. It discusses the lack of transparency in school district finances and decision-making, highlighting the adverse impact on students, especially in light of budget increases yet resulting staff cuts. The author calls for exposing these issues.

The post reflects on the legacy of Don Shalvey, emphasizing his impact on education and prompting continued efforts among CharterFolk to advance his vision. It discusses recent developments in charter schools across the U.S., particularly contrasting progress in Harlem with challenges in California and Chicago, urging collective action for educational reform.