This edition of “CharterFolk on the Move” highlights leadership changes across numerous charter schools and organizations. Notable appointments include Nick Patterson as CEO of eSTEM Public Schools, Dr. Janice Page as Assistant Superintendent, and additions at KIPP Foundation. The update emphasizes ongoing commitment to educational equity and improvement.
Dr. Kaycee Brock, Postsecondary Success Lead at the Charter School Growth Fund, discusses the reemergence of SAT/ACT testing in college admissions. As schools shift back to prioritizing these tests, especially for low-income students, she emphasizes the importance of standardized metrics in providing equitable opportunities, highlighting their role in college readiness and scholarship eligibility.
Dan Effland, Executive Director of Summit Atlas High School, introduces Seminar, an innovative professional learning community for charter school leaders. Seminar connects leaders, offering practical resources and support to address unique challenges in education. It fosters collaboration, empowering members to share strategies and enhance operational efficiency while prioritizing community and collective growth.
Khalique Rogers and Joe Nathan from the Center for School Change advocate for service-learning as a way to positively impact students, schools, and the charter movement. They highlight examples of student-led projects that enhance learning and community engagement. They encourage exploring summer service-learning initiatives to benefit both students and society.
Julia King Pool, founder of Burn-in Mindset, addresses educator burnout by coaching school leaders to embrace optimism and self-efficacy while managing challenges. Through her program, which has assisted over 1,500 educators, she emphasizes reorienting problems as growth opportunities. Partnered with Mastery Schools, Burn-in Mindset is significantly improving retention rates among principals.
Joyanna S. Smith emphasizes the importance of education equity and community engagement for underserved students in her Contributor Column. Drawing from her experiences in Washington, DC, and now in Chicago, she advocates for building partnerships with local communities, parents, and leaders to create supportive environments for charter schools and enhance advocacy campaigns for educational reform.
Gabriela Roldan, Communications Manager at Navigator Schools, shares insights from middle school students about the Navigator Squads Model. Students express positive experiences in collaborative learning environments, emphasizing teamwork, social skills development, and enhanced communication. They appreciate their roles and friendships formed, highlighting the model’s impact on their educational journey.
Good morning, CharterFolk. Today we are pleased to present a Contributor Column from Kimi Kean, Co-Founder and CEO of Families in Action for Quality Education. We provide a bio below. Formerly a high school drop out, Kimi Kean has spent over two decades as an enthusiastic, results driven public education leader in Oakland, CA. Kimi
Terry Ryan, CEO of BLUUM and CharterFolk board member, discusses the closing of Upper Carmen Public Charter School in Idaho, founded by Sue and Jim Smith. Over 18 years, the school prioritized literacy and individualized education. Their successful tenure leaves a legacy of educational excellence and community impact, achieving their goals before closure.
Cameron Curry, CEO of The Classical Academies, shares insights from his 25 years in charter education, emphasizing advocacy, team value, and storytelling. He discusses the importance of engaging with local leaders, supporting staff, and sharing student success stories to enhance community perception and sustain quality education. He retires this year, leaving a legacy of commitment.