Important considerations
The Ohio Department of Education has published and is updating its Frequently Asked Questions page related to coronavirus-mandated school closures. But they are aware that there are some questions that “require more explanation, specifically for community schools and their sponsors.” Thus, the department has created a document specifically to provide additional information to assist sponsors, governing authorities, staff and administrators in charter schools across the state as they navigate the closure and its effects.
Assistance on federal assistance
In a similar vein, the National Association of Public Charter Schools has posted information on its website regarding the low- or no-cost lending programs for charter schools that were contained in the recently-passed federal CARES Act.
Charter schools leading the way in distance learning
Jeanne Allen, founder and CEO of the Center for Education Reform, published a commentary piece in Forbes this week in which she highlights some of the bad actors in the school closure situation in states and cities across the country. However, she is buoyed by some very positive efforts at distance learning put forth by the school district in Miami and other cities and by charter schools in New York, Chicago, and elsewhere.
The view from Cleveland
The Plain Dealer is tackling the same topic, including a detailed look at efforts by Breakthrough Schools in Cleveland to help their students get reliable access to the Internet. An earlier piece from the PD highlighted Breakthrough’s efforts to make sure their students and their families had access to food during the enforced school closures.
Lifting up
NAPCS also recently collected a large list of positive stories from charter schools and networks across the country, lifting up the work of teachers, administrators, staff, and communities to support students during this troubling time.
