DC - CharterFolk

CharterFolk Contributor Lea Crusey – 2024 Can Be the Year the Charter Community Saves This Country

January 4, 2024

Lea Crusey, a social entrepreneur and chair of the DC Public Charter School Board, emphasizes the importance of charter schools in empowering families and students. She argues that maintaining these complex systems requires active engagement and accountability. As 2024 approaches, she calls for a recommitment to fostering education and civic responsibility amid societal challenges.

CharterFolk Contributor Lydia Hoffman – What Would it Take for More Charter Schools to Improve the Educational Experiences of Diverse Learners?

September 28, 2023

Lydia Hoffman, a partner at the Charter School Growth Fund, discusses the need for charter schools to enhance educational experiences for diverse learners, particularly students with disabilities. She emphasizes collaboration, inclusive practices, and family engagement while identifying barriers like funding disparities and the siloing of special education that hinder progress. Through successful examples, she advocates for listening to student and family voices to improve outcomes.

WonkyFolk Vol 8 – The Home Base Episode

August 30, 2023

In this week’s podcast, Andy and Jed discuss education challenges with Lakisha Young and Heather Harding. They explore the impact of proposed book bans and curriculum changes on student learning, emphasizing the importance of a clear policy priority “home base” for advocates amidst a polarized political landscape affecting urban education.

CharterFolk Contributor Wendy Edwards – The Sauce

July 13, 2023

Wendy Edwards, Executive Director of Early Childhood Academy Public Charter School, reflects on her journey as an educator in D.C. She emphasizes that effective teaching stems from dedicated professionals who adapt to their students’ needs, rather than from educational initiatives. Good teachers drive student success through their commitment and understanding of learning processes.

CharterFolk Contributor Dr. Kathryn Procope – Charter Schools and Historically Black Colleges and Universities – A Marriage Made in Heaven

June 1, 2023

Dr. Kathryn Procope, Executive Director at Howard University Middle School of Mathematics and Science, emphasizes the synergy between charter schools and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The school supports primarily at-risk African American students by fostering academic success, college aspirations, and life skills, while addressing community challenges and promoting self-worth.

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 Renita K. Thukral – It’s Time to Flip the Script. Are You Ready to Litigate?

June 15, 2022

Renita K. Thukral, Senior Advisor for Legal Affairs at the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools, highlights the importance of proactive litigation for charter communities. She emphasizes identifying specific claims, collaborating with experienced counsel, building coalitions, gaining community support, and fostering creativity in legal strategies to protect and advance charter students’ rights effectively.

Humility Overcome in DC; Putting the Question to White Liberals

August 18, 2021

In a recent message to CharterFolk, appreciation was expressed for participation in the Brian’s Voice Awards and a spotlight was placed on Susan Schaeffler of KIPP DC, highlighting her leadership and impact on education. Additionally, the importance of questioning inequities in public education, particularly concerning housing policies, was emphasized, urging CharterFolk to advocate for systemic changes for all students.

An Example of Enormous Opportunity – Celebrating Charter School Board Members

August 6, 2021

The author discusses the need for charter schools to combat negative perceptions by highlighting the individuals who contribute to their success, particularly charter school board members. These board members provide stability and commitment, countering accusations against charter governance. Elevating their stories can humanize the movement and reinforce its community roots.

Where We Stand Thirty Years In

June 4, 2021

The CharterFolk community reminds members to vote for the CharterFolk of the Year Award and participate in a Murmuration survey. Celebrating 30 years of charter schools, the movement has faced backlash but also growth, particularly serving historically underserved students. A new narrative is necessary to highlight the positive impact of charter schools on public education reform.