Sorting out hype vs. evidence can be a challenge. The latest American Enterprise Institute report: Measuring Diversity in Charter School Offerings claims that charters should be expanded. In fact, deregulation of charters increases diversity in charter offerings. See what you think after you read the review from N.E.P.C.
Category Archives: Charter Schools
Newark’s Lessons Learned on Charter School Reform
The State of New Jersey took over Newark’s public schools in 1995. Fifteen years later, Newark schools were still struggling. Mark Zuckerberg of Facebook fame, donated $100 million to the district in 2010. The Education Commissioner, Chris Cerf, had formerly served as deputy chancellor of New York’s schools. Prior to that he was president of Edison Schools Inc., a private for-profit management company that failed. He hired Cami Anderson, former head of Teach for America and New York’s District 79 at risk schools. What happened next is alarming. It could lead to something constructive.
Perspectives on Reform: Another Time to Step Back and Reconsider
You may have noticed a shift in focus on the blog recently. Every once in awhile this happens. I will tell you why. Call it critical thinking and problem solving? Continue reading
New Mexico Struggles Against Inequity
‘New Mexico’s education department is in court. So are those in 12 other states, including Florida. This lawsuit is about money, but not just the amount of money. In New Mexico, the population is different from many states, and the needs are greater.
Meredith Machen sent information about their state that helps to better understand the challenges they face. Take heart, some public education advocates are winning in court.
Who Pays When Charters Fail: Another Case
This is beyond belief. Broward School District, according to the Sun Sentinel, must pay the State for funds that two charter schools cannot verify. Evidently, their enrollment may have been inflated to get more State money.
Teacher Shortage: A Blip or a Trend
Are teachers leaving in droves? Some press releases predict the Armageddon in 2020 when the teacher shortage really hits. The baby boomer teachers will have retired, and student enrollments will peak. Curiously, we also read that there are twice as many elementary teachers now than we need. Yet, there are never enough ESE and ELL teachers. Florida is short on reading and math teachers too.
I went to the Bureau of Labor and the National Center for Education Statistics to see what I could see. I saw something. The problem is real just not everywhere. I tell you where.
Is the Jeb Bush Florida Education Miracle Hogwash?
Follow the trail of AlterNet’s story of Jeb Bush’s charter school hoax in Florida. In the middle of Jeff Bryant’s piece you will find his interview with me about charter management issues. The story begins with Jeb Bush’s conversations back in the 90’s that started the charter school movement. If you do not know this story, you will find it illuminating.
Who are Florida Teacher Bonuses Really For?
Why would the Florida legislature appropriate over $44 million to give $10,000 bonuses to teachers who had high ACT/SAT test scores when they were in high school? Some teachers took the tests years ago, and verifying their scores is next to impossible.
Encouraging young, bright people to seek careers in education is a good thing. Awarding a bonus might tempt some to teach for a year or two, but teacher turnover is high. A one time bonus would not help much. There may be another reason.
Florida LWV Legislative Priorities Due
The Florida LWV legislative priorities are coming due. Please make your voices heard within your local leagues. In order to be able to advocate for our Education Team issues, we have to make it into the top priorities statewide.
Make education tops for your local league. Here is a list of topics we expect to come up in the legislative session. Remember that committee meetings start in September.
Charters Appeal to State Board of Education for Facilities Money
On the radio this morning, I heard a story about the latest pitch for facilities funding from the charter school advocates. This one was to the State Board of Education.
It signals the latest attempt by the charter industry to tap into facilities funding for traditional public schools. Public schools need to renovate old buildings and upgrade technology infrastructure. Charters do not have to meet traditional public school state facility standards. Charters are supposed to be cheaper. Their real estate companies are making millions of dollars. Why give them more?
I have compiled a list of posts on this issue. Take a look and build arguments to make charter school policies more rational. Charters should make our educational system better, not destroy it. You can write letters, make presentations and make a difference.