New York - CharterFolk

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.

CharterFolk Contributor Danyela Souza Egorov – Lessons Learned From My Run for NY State Senate

October 12, 2022

Danyela Souza Egorov, a NYC Strategy Advisor for the NY Charter Schools Association, shares insights from her campaign for NYS Senate. She emphasizes strong public support for school choice, highlighting challenges in building political power among advocates. Her experience reflects a need for organization and awareness within the charter community to influence future elections.

CharterFolk X, Vol 2.8 – Lester Long: From Driving Trucks to Driving Achievement – Providing “A Lucens Exemplum” of What the Charter School Movement is All About

April 28, 2022

Lester Long, founder of Classical Charter Schools in the South Bronx, is celebrated as CharterFolk Extraordinaire for his remarkable 16-year leadership. Under his guidance, schools have excelled despite tough challenges, achieving significant academic success and winning multiple National Blue Ribbon Awards. Long combines rigorous education with a commitment to character, transforming countless young lives.

CharterFolk Contributor Dr. Christopher Manning – Honoring My Spirit School, A Visit to a Charter School that Changed My Life

March 10, 2022

Dr. Christopher Manning, CEO of Buffalo Creek Academy, reflects on his journey and the influence of his “spirit school,” Purpose Preparatory Charter. Through his experiences in high-performance charter schools, he emphasizes the importance of school culture and intentionality. Manning aims to replicate these qualities at BCA, fostering a strong community and coaching environment for 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.

The Pit, the Pendulum, and Our Decade of Truth

June 9, 2021

The announcement of CharterFolk of the Year received positive feedback, coinciding with the first anniversary of CharterFolk. The author reflects on the evolution of charter schools, describing a turbulent period followed by a resurgence of support. Emphasizing the need for strategic advocacy, the focus shifts towards a promising future in the upcoming Decade of Truth.

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.

The Great Disconnect of 2021 Becomes Public Education’s Year of National Crack Up

May 26, 2021

In 2021, a significant divide emerged between public education offerings and parental expectations, prompting many families to seek alternative schooling options. While some states pushed for increased school choice, others resisted, reinforcing traditional public education. This discord raises concerns about future federal funding and highlights a growing conflict in educational priorities across states.

Why the Last Thing in the World We Want to Do is Oppose a Moratorium

May 21, 2021

The post discusses the importance of agency in education and encourages participation in a survey by Murmuration to understand the strategic needs of education reformers. It also highlights increasing public support for charter schools despite attempts by the Establishment to impose moratoria, advocating for proactive discussions about charter growth as a defense against such actions.

The Real Herd Immunity We Need in Public Education Today

May 19, 2021

The public education landscape is shifting as schools try to return to pre-pandemic norms amid increasing charter school enrollment. Many parents refuse to be treated like a herd, prompting a struggle between traditional schools and charters offering enhanced learning options. The establishment is pushing for a return to full in-person classes while stifling charter growth.