The 2015 Ohio charter legislation roundup: so far, it’s all about the numbers
Chad L. AldisCharter reform in the state budget
What I learned from today's young education innovators
Earlier this year, Forbes released a celebration of edu-wunderkinds, its “30 under 30” in education. Reading the descriptions of their innovative, tech-focused work made me feel totally old and out of touch. Though we’re separated by only 10–15 years, the gap in worldview felt enormous.
A hopeful trend in charter school teacher turnover
The Education GadflyThe Education Gadfly
Career technical education and labor market outcomes
James White IIICTE works, but some programs are better than others. James White
The effectiveness of instructional practices for first-grade math
Amber M. Northern, Ph.D.Step one: Teach the math. Step two: Have the students practice it. Step three: There is no step three. Amber M. Northern, Ph.D.
Creative schools
Robert PondiscioMore of the same nonsense from TED talk superstar Sir Ken Robinson. Robert Pondiscio
The case for career-focused charter schools
A great way to get kids knowledge, skills, credentials, and work experience. Robert Schwartz
In God we trust; all others bring data
I had an economics professor in grad school who told us that every civilized household should use the most recent edition of the “Statistical Abstract of the United States” as a coffee table book.
Charters should offer pre-K…but can they?
As my colleague Sara Mead has written, we recently completed an analysis of state policies that affect charter/pre-K collaboration. In the analys
Clear and compelling goals could stimulate pre-K charter collaboration
Sara Mead and Ashley LiBetti Mitchel have done a great public service by providing a detailed study of how the early care and K–12 education policy landscape creates barriers to collaboration. It is good to see the Thomas B. Fordham Institute focusing its considerable knowledge and prestige on thinking about this opportunity.
Why should charter schools offer pre-K?
Sara MeadLast week, the Thomas B. Fordham Institute released a new report authored by my colleague Ashley LiBetti Mitchel and me on charter schools and pre-K.
The state of play with ESEA, in a single table
Michael J. PetrilliThe end is near. Hooray! Michael J. Petrilli
Senator Tim Scott’s impassioned speech on school choice
Editor’s note: Last week, Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) sponsored an amendment that would have allowed Title I dollars to follow low-income children to the schools of their choice. It failed, 45–51.
Lessons from four years as superintendent of Tennessee’s Achievement School District
Editor’s note: Chris Barbic announced today his decision to step down as the head of Tennessee’s Achievement School District, a position he has held since 2011.
Would a President Clinton undo reform?
The Education GadflyThe Education Gadfly
Preparing students for success with career and technical education programs
Kevin MahnkenLessons from initiatives in Ohio and Massachusetts. Kevin Mahnken
How different teaching methods affect brain activity and reading development
Amber M. Northern, Ph.D.This is your brain on phonics. Any questions? Amber M. Northern, Ph.D.
School Indicators for New York City Charter Schools 2013–2014 School Year
Robert PondiscioMost of Gotham’s charters are already “backfilling” empty seats. Robert Pondiscio
The hard work has just begun
Robert PondiscioGetting low-income kids into college is hard. Keeping them there to earn a degree is harder. Robert Pondiscio
Pre-K and charter schools: Where state policies create barriers to collaboration
Michael J. Petrilli, Amber M. Northern, Ph.D.Charter schools get the short end of the stick. Again. Michael J. Petrilli and Amber M. Northern, Ph.D.
Pre-K and Charter Schools: Where State Policies Create Barriers to Collaboration
Sara Mead, Ashley LiBetti MitchelIn Pre-K and Charter Schools: Where State Policies Create Barriers to Collaboration, authors Sara Mead and Ashley LiBetti Mitchel examine thirty-six jurisdictions that have both charter schools and state-funded pre-K programs to determine where charters can provide state-funded pre-K.
NEW from Fordham: Pre-K and Charter Schools: Where State Policies Create Barriers to Collaboration
The Education GadflyIn a new study released today from Fordham, authors Sara Mead and Ashley LiBetti Mitchel examine thirty-six jurisdictions that have both charter schools and state-funded pre-K programs to determine where charters can provide state-funded pre-K.
Senator Lamar Alexander on a federal opt-out provision
The Education GadflyYesterday, the Senate debated an amendment proposed by Mike Lee (R-UT) that would have required states to allow parents to opt-out of federally-mandated tests without penalizing their scho
Not so fast on the parade celebrating the Nevada ESA program
Howard FullerI have been and continue to be a strong supporter of parental choice. I joined this fight over twenty-five years ago because I believe it can help address the systemic inequities so many poor students face. In my mind, the primary purpose of parental choice is to provide those who do not currently have high-quality educational options with access to those options.
Building social capital: What schools can learn from Head Start programs
Elliot RegensteinIn a National Review piece last month, Mike Petrilli raised the important issue of how schools can build on the existing social capital in low-income
Charter School Accountability Act Misses the Mark
Chad L. AldisU.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) has introduced the Charter School Accountability Act. In making his case for charter school reform, Senator Brown cites a recent study by Stanford University’s Center for Research on Education Outcomes (CREDO) showing Ohio charter students lagging their peers in traditional public schools on state assessments.