The growth of high-performing charter schools—and their charter-management organizations (CMOs)—is critical for such schools to
become sound alternatives for additional needy kids. To expand, however, CMOs must overcome
the challenge of finding superior teachers and school leaders. To see how this
has been done and can be done, this Center for American Progress report profiles
Green Dot, IDEA Public Schools, High Tech High, KIPP, Rocketship Education, and
Yes Prep and explains how they have dealt with organizational growth and
human-capital challenges. It seems that these successful CMOs have three things
in common: They formalize recruitment, training, and support processes and infrastructure;
they get the most mileage from available talent by narrowing and
better-defining staff roles; and they import and induct management talent. Toward
that end, many of these organizations have developed their own recruiting tools
and candidate evaluations. Some offer extensive professional development aligned
with their organizational cultures. Most believe in cultivating in-house talent,
often by identifying future school leaders during the teacher-hiring process. Others
have created and implemented their own certification programs. Well worth your
attention, whether or not you’re a CMO junkie.
|
Christi Chadwick and Julie Kowal, “Preparing for Growth: Human Capital Innovations in Public Charter Schools,” (Washington, D.C.: Center for American Progress, May 2011). |
