The sky won't fall if charter schools are discouraged from disciplining students
Editor's note: This is the seventh entry in our forum on charter school discipline practices.
Sinister Common Core conspiracy unmasked as pathetically earnest effort to help kids
Kevin MahnkenThe mental image most people have of career and technical education is taken directly from a mid-century General Motors training video: Enthusiastic young men in denim replacing serpentine belts and laboring over alternators. Failing that, the scenario might take place in a wood shop or a welding station.
How Ohio is meeting key milestones on the road to charter reform
Jamie Davies O'LearyBy Jamie Davies O’Leary
Does Common Core Math expect memorization? A candid conversation with Jason Zimba
Amber M. Northern, Ph.D.By Amber M. Northern, Ph.D.
For starters, get the basics on charter discipline right
Editor's note: This is the fifth entry in our forum on charter school discipline practices.
Dropout-recovery report cards: Are standards set appropriately?
Sarah Souders, Aaron ChurchillIn a previous blog post, we urged Ohio’s newly formed Dropout Prevention and Recovery Study Committee to carefully review the state’s alternative accountability system for dropout-recovery charter schools.
How chartering makes possible an entirely new approach to accountability
The purpose of my last post was to suggest that those frustrated with school “accountability” should consider the structural elements that gave rise to our present accountability systems.
On charter discipline, deny the premise and pivot to school climate
Editor's note: This is the fourth entry in our forum on charter school discipline practices.
Charter boards need to understand school discipline
Editor's note: This is the third entry in our forum on charter school discipline practices. Earlier posts can be found here and here.
The HB 2 effect: Ohio is meeting key milestones on the road to charter reform
Jamie Davies O'LearyEighteen months ago, Ohio proved it was finally serious about cleaning up its charter sector, with Governor Kasich and the Ohio General Assembly placing sponsors (a.k.a. authorizers) at the center of a massive charter law overhaul.
Gadfly Bites 7/8/16 - Lots of folks evaluate our evaluation of the EdChoice Scholarship Program
Jeff MurrayIn case you missed it, Fordham Ohio released a new report yesterday—Evaluation of Ohio’s EdChoice Scholarship Program—a first-of-its kind rigorous examination of the state’s largest voucher program. Say what you will about the frankly disappointing findings but never say that Fordham is afraid to go where the data lead.
Suspending belief
Editor's note: This is the second entry in our forum on charter school discipline practices. The first post post is here.
The accountability legacy of a hundred-year-old decision
Over the last few months, my work on ESSA implementation and my thinking about new systems of urban schools have come together. I have a new hypothesis. And I think it has some interesting implications.
Evaluation of Ohio’s EdChoice Scholarship Program: Foreword
Aaron Churchill , Chad L. AldisShortly after Ohio lawmakers enacted a new voucher program in 2005, the state budget office wrote in its fiscal analysis, “The Educational Choice Scholarships are not only intended to offer another route for student success, but also to impel the administration and teaching staff of a failing school building to improve upon their students’ academic performance.” As economist M
Reforming disciplinary practices in D.C. and New Orleans charter schools
Amber M. Northern, Ph.D.By Amber M. Northern, Ph.D.
Little California love for charters
Kevin MahnkenDarius Brown’s educational biography,
Becky with the good education: A Twitter hashtag offers a surprising lesson in cultural literacy
Robert PondiscioBy Robert Pondiscio
Tradeoffs, not absolutes, on suspension and expulsion
Editor's note: This is the first entry in our forum on charter school discipline practices. Mike Petrilli's introductory post is here.
Forum: Discipline practices in America's charter schools
Michael J. PetrilliAt the National Charter Schools Conference last week, Secretary of Education John King challenged U.S.
Rod Paige on the lessons of KIPP and early charters
Alyssa SchwenkEditor’s note: On Monday, the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools inducted Rod Paige into their Charter School Hall of Fame. Rod’s contributions to education date back over half a century. Most notably, he rose to national prominence as the superintendent of the Houston Independent School District and was appointed the first black secretary of education in 2001.
Good charters are good choices: Shyanne’s story (Dayton Early College Academy)
Jamie Davies O'LearyI remember the exact moment I became a charter school supporter. It was 2006, and I was a few days away from completing my first year of teaching in Camden, New Jersey. The mother of one of my students wanted to speak with me after school.
An interview with Rod Paige
Alyssa SchwenkEditor’s note: On Monday, the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools inducted Rod Paige into their Charter School Hall of Fame. Rod’s contributions to education date back over half a century. Most notably, he rose to national prominence as the superintendent of the Houston Independent School District and was appointed the first black secretary of education in 2001.
The effects of D.C.’s citywide charter school lottery
Jessica PoinerBy Jessica Poiner
NPR's Rocketship exposé fizzles on the launchpad
Kevin Mahnken2016 is providing ample opportunities for the charter sector to take stock.
The next twenty-five years of charter schools: Bigger, broader, and bolder
Chester E. Finn, Jr., Bruno V. Manno, Brandon L. WrightBy Chester E. Finn, Jr., Bruno V. Manno, and Brandon L. Wright
The Brexit edition
On this week’s podcast, Mike Petrilli and Robert Pondiscio discuss Fordham’s new Common Core math study, NPR’s questionable coverage of Rocketship charter schools, and the summertime widening of the achievement gap. During the Research Minute, Amber Northern examines efforts to reform disciplinary practices in D.C. and New Orleans charter schools.
Ohio’s implementation of report cards for dropout-recovery charter schools
Sarah Souders, Aaron ChurchillOn June 22, the Dropout Prevention and Recovery Study Committee met for its first of three meetings this summer.
Time for Detroit charter schools to lead—not just fight to protect turf
Robin J. LakeDan Quisenberry’s recent piece in Fordham’s Gadfly suggested that newly enacted legislation in Michigan represents a “victory for charter quality in Detroit.” Dan is great, and it’s true that the legislation will likely help a little with charter quality.
Under the radar: The surprising role of school districts in charter sponsorship
Aaron ChurchillTraditional districts that serve as charter school sponsors are often glossed over in the debate over Ohio’s charter sector. But given their role in two recent reports, it’s an opportune time to take a closer look at their track record.