10,000 new charter schools needed
Two policy analysts from The New Center opined in a blog post at Real Clear Policy that the rise in popularity of school choice across America over the last two years demands a bold, family-centric response. “America should build 10,000 new charter schools in the next 10 years,” they conclude. The demand requires it and it’s the responsibility of policymakers to “step up and meet it.”
Religious charter schools?
Matt Barnum wrote in a blog post at Chalkbeat recently that the U.S. Supreme Court is expected to issue a ruling soon on a case from Maine that, while ostensibly regarding vouchers, could open the door to religious charter schools. While Barnum suspects that many religious education providers would not want to move from private to public school status, having the option to do so could boost charter options in many areas of the country.
New report on virtual schools
The Government Accountability Office this week released a long-gestating report on virtual charter school operations and oversight across the country. The report examines how virtual charters provide student instruction, how their academic proficiency and participation rates on state tests compare to other school types, and the extent to which their operations present challenges for state and federal oversight. You can read the full findings here, and the analysis of those findings by Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown, who requested the report back in 2018, here.
Innovative new digs
Two Summit Academy charter schools in Canton are merging and relocating to a dorm building on the campus of nearby Malone University. This fascinating new partnership will likely benefit Summit’s high schoolers especially and Malone’s students as well. After extensive renovations, the new arrangement should be operational next year.
Ohio’s next state superintendent
Cleveland.com provides us the full list of 27 candidates to be considered for the next state superintendent of public instruction here in Ohio. A wide list of folks with varied backgrounds at the national level, in Ohio, and beyond our borders—including some with charter school experience.
Job opening at the Fordham Foundation
The Thomas B. Fordham Foundation’s charter sponsorship team is looking for a school quality analyst who will be responsible for supporting, overseeing, and evaluating charters in the Cincinnati area. More details on the part-time position and how to apply can be found here.
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