Contributor Columns - CharterFolk

CharterFolk Contributor Paul Goodwin – Changing the Narrative about Education Reform: A Civil Right to a Quality Public Education

January 14, 2021

Paul Goodwin’s column discusses the critical role of narratives in shaping opinions about education reform. He emphasizes the shift from heroic reformers to a narrative portraying teachers as defenders of public education against privatization. The call for a civil right to quality education presents an opportunity to unite diverse coalitions for meaningful reform.

CharterFolk Contributor Column – The Missing Charter Leaders: ¿Dónde están los Latinos y las Latinas?

January 8, 2021

A Contributor Column from four charter school leaders highlights the underrepresentation of Latino leaders in charter schools and broader sectors, particularly given that Latino students form the largest group served by these institutions. Strategies for increasing leadership diversity include actionable plans, commitments from current leaders, diversification of reform organizations, and more precise demographic terms.

CharterFolk Contributor Kyle Rosenkrans – 3 Things We Learned in Newark

October 28, 2020

Kyle Rosenkrans from the New Jersey Children’s Foundation outlines three lessons learned from Newark’s experience with charter schools: building political alliances enhances educational opportunities; empowering parents and community members to vote is crucial for influence; and successful charter schools should promote collaboration rather than criticize district schools, fostering overall educational improvement.

CharterFolk Contributor, Ramona Edelin – Public Schooling in DC Before Chartering

October 21, 2020

The article features a column by Ramona H. Edelin, emphasizing the role of charter schools in addressing longstanding educational issues in Washington, DC. Charter opponents mischaracterize these schools as the source of public education problems. Edelin, a key figure in DC education, argues for recognizing charter schools’ contributions to improving opportunities for marginalized students.

Part 2 – CharterFolk Contributors Respond to Arne Duncan’s Challenge to Involve Parents

October 7, 2020

In response to Arne Duncan’s challenge, CharterFolk members share insights on enhancing parent and youth involvement in advocacy for charter schools. Margaret Fortune emphasizes the significance of parent advocacy against institutional pressures, while Andrew Broy discusses training future leaders. John Phelps highlights the potential of online education to showcase charter strengths during recent challenges.

CharterFolk Contributors Respond to Arne Duncan’s Challenge to Involve Parents

September 23, 2020

In response to former Education Secretary Arne Duncan’s challenge to enhance parent and student involvement in charter school advocacy, various leaders share their initiatives and experiences. They emphasize deep investments in grassroots organizing and community engagement to tackle educational inequities effectively.

CharterFolk Contributor Scott Pearson – 5 Things We Learned in DC

September 16, 2020

Scott Pearson shares insights from his tenure with the DC Public Charter School Board, highlighting key strategies for advancing charter schools, including accountability, ecosystem support, and community engagement. He emphasizes the importance of balancing charters with traditional schools for broader political acceptance.

CharterFolk Speak! 16 Leaders Offer Thoughts on Vision

July 28, 2020

Good morning, CharterFolk. Today’s a fun one. As you guys know, I am working to make CharterFolk a place where we hear from a range of voices representing the diversity and reach of the broader charter school movement. In order to get more voices into the mix, I recently asked various leaders across the country