A St Patty’s Day Special Edition…Finding Rainbows…Driving out Snakes and a much needed Irish Blessing.
It’s #CharterSchoolsWeek so this issue conveys just a smidge of the extraordinary ripple the innovative effort has caused throughout US public education.
ON PRESIDENTS AND PROCLAMATIONS. It appears that the best-kept secret this #CharterSchoolsWeek is that sadly, our President is conspicuously absent from issuing the traditional celebratory proclamation honoring charter schools. Bill Clinton did, George Bush did, Barack Obama did and Donald Trump did. Say it ain’t so Joe… and that you are just late not absent from the party. Please?
RICH HISTORY OF DIVERSE VOICES. Charters have always enjoyed support from every corner, demographic, region and beyond with one exception – The Blob. Unions, school boards associations (most), other establishment groups and even the NAACP have taken positions against, while their rank and file members or those they work to represent support and even send their kids to charter schools. CER put that history together a year ago this week and should help you and those you think need a little history lesson to learn the who, what and why behind these great institutions.
THE NOT-SO-NEW-ANYMORE NEIGHBORHOOD SCHOOLS. Speaking of which, it never hurts to give those doing the real work the floor for a bit. We’re grateful 9 amazing leaders from across the US will take a little time with us tomorrow at noon. Join us for a special edition of CER’s Action Series, Charter School Profiles In Courage on Wednesday, May 12th, at noon EDT AND GET INVOLVED THIS WEEK, TOO!
COMMON SENSE IN THE BIG APPLE. Merryl Tisch, Chairwoman of the State University of New York (SUNY) is, according to Manhattan Institute’s Ray Domenico, “calling on the state Legislature to lift the cap that prevents more charter schools from opening in New York City.” Her reasoning is unassailable, as before the pandemic, more than 1 in 5 Black students in the city were enrolled in charters, as were close to 1 in 10 Hispanic students. Combined, Black and Hispanic students formed more than 90 percent of the students enrolled in city charters. Parents know what’s best, evidenced by their exceptionally strong demand for seats in charter schools.
KUDOS. Just a few of the more than 7,500 china-breakers show what transforming education looks like. Wise leaders in Fort Worth Texas are looking to rescue a failing public school by turning it over to Phalen Leadership Academies. In Philadelphia, Mastery Charter Schools has invited all its students back, while the “regular” public schools currently have 3% attendance. Lots of proud kids, teachers and parents at International Leadership Charter High School in the Bronx as every senior was accepted to college.
VISIT A CHARTER SCHOOL. There’s nothing better than seeing it for yourself to understand how and why charter schools defy the odds – especially when there is a monopoly working overtime to convince you otherwise. You can call your local charter association if you’re interested in learning which schools are most able to accommodate visits – when Covid 19 is less of a threat, of course. You could also follow the schools on Twitter, or @edreform, and we’ll show you the way.
AMERICA LOST A VISIONARY LEADER YESTERDAY, with the passing of Pete du Pont. Usually described simply as a former Governor of Delaware, he was so much more. Eschewing what would have been a very comfortable perch in the family business, he devoted his life to public service, eventually serving three terms in Congress and two as Governor and always championed education opportunity amidst his fellow Governors. He will always be near to our hearts as a founding board member of CER, where we quickly grew to admire his rare combination of being whip-smart and incredibly charming. The final lines of Hamlet come to mind, “Now cracks a noble heart. Good night sweet prince, may choirs of angels sing thee to thy rest.”We hope your week is full of celebration and maybe even a little dancing. To put you in the mood, here is Sly and the Family Stone inviting you to celebrate and dance to the music. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PsJ9K7lUteQ
Founded in 1993, the Center for Education Reform aims to expand educational opportunities that lead to improved economic outcomes for all Americans — particularly our youth — ensuring that conditions are ripe for innovation, freedom and flexibility throughout U.S. education. We’re always delighted to hear from our readers…suggestions, questions and even the occasional complaint!