Stories featured in Ohio Charter News Weekly may require a paid subscription to read in full.
Keep sponsor accountability strong…
Fordham’s Aaron Churchill published two important pieces last week. In the first, he explains why a rigorous sponsor evaluation system is critical to the success of charter schools in Ohio. He lambastes legislative efforts to chip away at academic accountability especially, noting that it is the best way to ensure that charters remain high-quality options for students and families.
…make charter funding fair
In the second, Aaron lays out three steps that lawmakers should take during the next state budget cycle to help narrow longstanding funding gaps between charter and district schools once and for all.
Top of the charts
Washington Post columnist Jay Mathews last week discussed what he calls “the biggest sea change in high schools” he has ever seen. What he means is that most of the top 20 schools in his Challenge Index—that is, the most rigorous high schools in the country based on student participation and success in AP, IB, Cambridge, and other challenging academic programs—are no longer part of affluent districts but are instead charter schools serving predominately low-income students. He ascribes the change to “charters’ freedom to offer hard courses to anyone” which has provided “hope and excitement among families and teachers in a growing number of low-income neighborhoods”. Expectations are high, opportunities are numerous, and success is expected. Among the charter schools singled out for praise are several from the IDEA and BASIS networks in Texas and Arizona, respectively, as well as KIPP University Prep in San Antonio. Kudos!
Good news/bad news pt 1
The first story in this category comes to us from New York City. The good news: Ten new charters were given the green light to open this fall in the Big Apple. The bad news: No more can be approved as the city has once again reached the state-mandated cap on new schools. The cap remains in place despite strong opposition from supporters and families, and despite long waiting lists at charters across the city.
Good news/bad news pt 2
The second story comes from Chicago. While the leaders of Chicago Public Schools have proposed a general funding increase for charter schools in the city for next year, charters with shrinking enrollments would likely see a funding cut. Meanwhile, district schools would all see a funding boost, regardless of enrollment, because their funding formula focuses on inputs rather than enrollment. All this comes on the heels of other policy changes in the district that all aim to restrict competition.
*****
Did you know you can have every edition of the Ohio Charter News Weekly sent directly to your Inbox? Subscribe by clicking here.
