Dr. Aidé Acosta, Chief College Officer at Noble Schools, emphasizes the institution’s commitment to college access and success for Black and Brown students. Over its 25 years, Noble has graduated over 28,000 students, with a focus on dismantling systemic inequity and ensuring every student receives guidance to reach their academic aspirations.
Katie Law, principal of Arapaho Charter High School, has transformed a struggling school on the Wind River Indian Reservation. After taking on various roles including EMT and coach, she has improved attendance and graduation rates significantly since becoming principal in 2018, emphasizing community ties and cultural engagement. Awarded Wyoming High School Principal of the Year, she now aims to share her insights with other educators.
The CharterFolk movement struggles to drive its narrative due to a reluctance to engage in conflict that reflects its values. While positive actions like studies and symposiums are vital, they are insufficient against adversaries’ narratives. Embracing carefully considered conflict focused on universal benefits can effectively challenge misconceptions and reshape public discourse.
Amanda Aragon, Executive Director at NewMexicoKidsCAN, shares insights on New Mexico’s educational challenges, notably its ranking as last in the nation for eight consecutive years. Despite setbacks, she highlights the resilience of charter schools, which offer hope and quality options for students, emphasizing their role in addressing inequities in education.
The post celebrates CharterFolk’s growth, reflecting on a personal experience with Bob Dylan and literary criticism. It critiques the current state of public education, noting the disconnect between established organizations and true charter initiatives. The author urges reformers to pursue greatness in education by challenging misguided narratives and asserting the value of authentic public education.
Happy Friday, CharterFolk. Andy and I are excited to share our latest WonkyFolk podcast, covering vital education policy discussions post-summer hiatus. Topics include Walz and Harris, the DNC’s neglect of education, challenges for reformers, and the need for a new narrative in education policy amidst urban school crises. Enjoy the conversation!
Jana Wilcox Lavin, CEO of Opportunity 180, emphasizes the importance of accountability in public education. By using a GPS analogy, she outlines how charter schools exemplify effective accountability measures in overcoming challenges. Recent developments in Nevada offer hope for improved student achievement through enhanced policies and infrastructure, though challenges remain in ensuring effective results.
Jay Artis-Wright, CEO of the Freedom Coalition for Charter Schools, reflects on her emotional experience at the Democratic National Convention. While she celebrates progress, she expresses frustration with the Democratic platform’s stance on education and charter schools, advocating for recognition of their importance in supporting Black and Latino students.
CharterFolk welcomes new readers and addresses the need for political unity within the charter school movement. Starlee’s insights emphasize the importance of collaboration across party lines and the urgency to protect charter autonomy. Meanwhile, ongoing challenges in public education highlight the necessity for leadership and advocacy to dismantle barriers to quality education.
CharterFolk X celebrates leaders in the charter school movement, starting with Jennifer Goodman, Superintendent of Odyssey Academy, who faced challenges posed by Hurricane Ike. Goodman’s transformative leadership emphasized engagement with community systems, advancing advocacy for equitable funding. Under her guidance, Odyssey grew to serve 1,800 students, showing commitment to education and community impact.