Contributor Columns - CharterFolk

CharterFolk Contributor Cameron Curry – Thanksgiving is a Time to Celebrate Charter Public Schools

November 23, 2022

Cameron Curry, CEO of The Classical Academies, highlights the significance of charter schools in providing quality education, especially for vulnerable families. Despite negative media perceptions, these schools create opportunities and show promise through flexibility and specialized programs. With numerous awards and recognition, they champion parental choice in education, reflecting a commitment to student success.

CharterFolk Contributors Greg Richmond and Paul Escala – Superintendents of Two Archdioceses Share Why Catholic Schools are the Highest Performing “State” on All NAEP Tests

November 17, 2022

Greg Richmond and Paul Escala, leaders in Catholic education, reflect on the notable academic performance of Catholic schools during the pandemic, especially compared to public and charter schools. They attribute this success to factors such as financial resourcefulness, straightforward governance, and a strong emphasis on unity and diversity, suggesting these aspects warrant further investigation.

CharterFolk Contributor Dan Schaller – Colorado Charter Schools Lead the Way

November 10, 2022

Dan Schaller, President of the Colorado League of Charter Schools, emphasizes the importance of maintaining bipartisan support for charter schools, which serve over 135,000 students in Colorado. He highlights the success and diverse student demographics of charter schools while urging action on funding inequities and the expansion of quality educational options in underserved communities.

CharterFolk Contributor Starlee Coleman – A Rallying Cry: We Need More Charters

November 4, 2022

The article features Starlee Coleman, CEO of TPCSA, emphasizing the need for more charter schools in Texas. Despite recent challenges, charters have shown improved student performance. Coleman urges stakeholders to reclaim their commitment to innovation and accountability, advocating for expanded options to better serve all children and communities in the state.

CharterFolk Contributor Jack McCarthy – Are We Ready for a Reboot?

October 28, 2022

Jack McCarthy of AppleTree Institute emphasizes the urgent need for a reboot in American public education, particularly focusing on early childhood education. He advocates for innovative charter preschools that prioritize child outcomes and effective teaching methods, arguing for collaboration between charter schools and existing early childhood programs to enhance educational quality and equity for children.

CharterFolk Contributor Debbie Beyer – Unapologetically Charter

October 20, 2022

Debbie Beyer, founding Principal of Literacy First Charter Schools, shares her journey through various educational systems to create impactful charter schools. She emphasizes the importance of educational choice, innovation, and community involvement. Literacy First, serving 2000 students, exemplifies successful charter reform, driven by conviction and commitment to student needs.

CharterFolk Contributor Terry Ryan – Idaho’s Public Charter Schools at 25: The Best is Yet to Come

October 6, 2022

Terry Ryan, CEO of Bluum and Board Chair of Idaho Charter School Network, highlights the evolution of charter schools in Idaho. Despite initial challenges, charter schools have gained operational freedoms and expanded significantly. The state now boasts numerous successful charter schools that outperform traditional ones, fostering collaboration with rural districts for improved education.

CharterFolk Contributor Christine Ferris – Small Schools

September 30, 2022

Christine Ferris, Executive Director of Highline Academy Charter Schools, shares insights about the challenges and beauty of running a small charter school in light of declining public school enrollments nationwide. She emphasizes the importance of personal relationships in education and urges districts to consider these aspects when deciding on the future of small schools amid budget constraints and staffing issues.

CharterFolk Contributor Caprice Young – The Movement Matures, Matters Even More

August 24, 2022

Caprice Young, an experienced educational leader, highlights the vital role of charter founders in transforming public education. By combining vision with community engagement, planning, advocacy, and entrepreneurship, they create schools that address underserved needs. Young emphasizes the importance of collaboration and resilience within the CharterFolk movement, supporting democracy and continuous improvement in education.

CharterFolk Contributors Jose Perez and Joe Nathan: A Plea to Build on Students’ Strengths and Change the World

August 18, 2022

Jose Perez and Joe Nathan urge schools to focus on students’ strengths, promoting leadership opportunities. Highlighting their experiences, they advocate for a positive school culture that fosters individual goal-setting and real-world problem-solving. This asset-based approach enhances academic skills while cultivating resilient, engaged citizens, emphasizing that deep learning can transform lives.