- A broader-than-usual list of guests, including our own Chad Aldis, appeared on All Sides with Ann Fisher earlier this week, talking about charter school oversight in Ohio. It was awesome, without any reservations at all from me. You should all love it. (WOSU-FM, Columbus, 8/31/16)
- Reports of the demise of charter sponsor evaluations in Ohio appear to have been premature. State supe Paolo DeMaria announced yesterday that rather than pursue the clearance of a new rule on sponsor compliance, the tabling of which caused no end of angst (see All Sides, above), ODE would move forward with evaluations keeping their old rule in place. I doubt this is the end of the story. Chad says, pragmatically, ODE is “making the best out of a situation that was less than optimal.” Indeed. (Dayton Daily News, via AP, 9/1/16) Chad is also quoted in the Dispatch coverage, but final word must go to DeMaria, who says, “If I can get certainty, rigor and compliance, I’m going to go with that option.” Yes. (Columbus Dispatch, 9/1/16) The PD, in typical style, puts yesterday’s decision into context of the full sponsor evaluation framework. Plus it includes a link to ODE’s written announcement which lays out the department’s decision-making process. (Cleveland Plain Dealer, 9/1/16)
- With one memo, Youngstown Schools CEO Krish Mohip has done what one district school board memo has been unable to do for months even with help from the ACLU: remove a specific video on creationism from the district’s biology curriculum. The ACLU and said board member seem pleased with the development, but I doubt this is the end of the story. (Youngstown Vindicator, 9/2/16)
- The good news for Akron families: Emmanuel Christian Academy is expanding in a brand new building. The private school accepts students on four of Ohio’s voucher programs and has sent many of its students into good high schools across the area. The bad news: even with more space the place is full to the gills and has a waiting list, voucher or not. Unless your children are babies, that is. (Akron Beacon Journal, 9/1/16)
- The Global Impact STEM Academy is a newish standalone school in the Springfield area. One of the architects of the school, former Springfield supe Dr. David Estrop, has a guest commentary in the News-Sun this week extolling the virtues of this “new public school” model. by Estrop re: new teaching/learning model. (Springfield News-Sun, 9/1/16)
