- Just some quick hits on today’s clips. Regular service will return on Friday. I promise. Our own Chad Aldis is quoted on one of two items in this piece on charter school news, glued together (almost) by the subject of e-schools. Chad is quoted in regard to a new report on charter school funding. Oranges and apples are referenced, but not necessarily in that order. (Columbus Dispatch, 3/22/16)
- A new national study identified schools across the country who have been successful and shrinking or closing the achievement gap between rich and poor students in their communities. In Columbus, that short list includes five charter schools, one of which is Fordham-sponsored Columbus Collegiate Academy – Main. We couldn’t be prouder of the great work of CCA’s staff, teachers, families, and students. (Columbus Dispatch, 3/23/16)
- No offence to Stephen Stohla, but I can only imagine he was figuring he would either be out of his current job or permanently into a very different version of this current job by now. Either way, due to the lack of clarity around the judicial definition of the word “teacher”, he is still in his temporary job as Interim Superintendent of Youngstown City Schools. And as such, he has work to do. To wit: a proposed restructuring of the grade levels in almost every school in the Youngstown district. Wonder how quickly this proposal will hit the quagmire? (Youngstown Vindicator, 3/22/16)
- Breaking news from central Ohio: Kindergarten needs to be a balance between academics and play. I know you are, but what am I? (Columbus Dispatch, 3/20/16)
- There is a serious and interesting story lurking behind the entirely off-putting headline here. To wit: which students will benefit more from traditional AP classes and which students will benefit more from Ohio’s newfangled College Credit Plus option. Hopefully folks will read the story despite the headline. (Norwalk Reflector, 3/19/16)
- Why is Gadfly Bites so late today? Because the big boss – Mike Petrilli – was in town today for an event and some meetings. Dude takes some wrangling sometimes! I jest, of course, but in honor of his now-completed visit to Ohio, here’s a story I know he’ll appreciate: Career Tech Education is starting to take root in middle school grades in Ohio. Just take a look at the CTE offerings already available in middle schools in Pickaway and Ross Counties. (Chillicothe Gazette, 3/19/16)