A tiny provision in the budget could have a big positive impact on Ohio students who exercise school choice
Jessica PoinerBetween expanded voucher eligibility, funding increases for charter schools,
Ohio Charter News Weekly – 7.28.23
Jeff MurrayThe time to close charter funding gaps is now
Ohio Charter News Weekly – 7.21.23
Jeff MurrayPraise for school choice expansion in Ohio
Here’s how the state budget addresses teacher shortages
Jessica PoinerEarlier this spring, the Ohio Department of Education published in-depth data insights into Ohio’s teacher workforce.
Even school choice opponents should support open enrollment
Jessica PoinerNow that the latest state budget is officially in the books, it’s safe to say that school choice stole the show.
Ohio Charter News Weekly – 6.30.23
Jeff MurrayBudget conference committee continues
One size does not fit all: Alternative education campuses in the charter sector
Jeff MurrayOne purpose of charter schools is to serve as laboratories of innovation for public education—a deliberate effort to do things differently than the long-entrenched traditional district model.
Lawmakers can still go further in Ohio’s historic effort to narrow charter funding gaps
Aaron ChurchillDespite serving tens of thousands of students each year—most of whom are low-income—Ohio has a regrettable track record of underfunding its public charter schools.
Lots of new schools. How much innovation?
Jeff MurraySince the 1980s, education reform efforts have sought to shake up the stodgy, traditional landscape of public schooling in the United States. One way to do that is to start schools from scratch that can introduce innovative new education models and push traditional systems to improve.
CREDO got it wrong: Ohio’s charter sector is strong and getting better
Stéphane LavertuNOTE: The Thomas B. Fordham Institute occasionally publishes guest commentaries on its blogs. The views expressed by guest authors do not necessarily reflect those of Fordham.
Impacts of charter authorizer and operator type on student achievement
Jeff MurrayOne of the more variable aspects of charter school operation around the country is the system by which schools are authorized and managed.
Charter sponsors need to be accountable for the performance of their schools
Aaron ChurchillWith the budget bill speeding to the finish line, the Statehouse rumor mill is cranking into high gear. Among the rumblings is an effort by a few charter advocates to weaken the state’s sponsor evaluation system.
For teachers, Ohio is one of the most affordable places to live and work
Jessica PoinerAs districts across the nation struggle with teacher shortages, policymakers and advocates continue to debate how best to draw more talent into the profession. Increasing salaries inevitably comes up in these discussions, and understandably so, as teachers do a difficult job that’s extremely important.
Ohio Charter News Weekly – 5.19.23
Jeff MurrayOne more story from National Charter Schools Week
Do Ohio’s teacher preparation programs follow the science of reading? How stronger teacher preparation and curricula policies can ensure scientifically based reading instruction in Ohio
Shannon HolstonThis study takes a look at Ohio's elementary-school teacher preparation programs and the extent to which they're training candidates in the science of reading. Based on analyses of programs' course materials and syllabi, the report identifies exemplary preparation programs that cover the five components of the reading science. Other programs, however, are lagging behind. The report offers recommendations that will better ensure that all incoming teachers are well-trained in the science of reading.
Ohio Charter News Weekly – 5.12.23
Jeff MurrayAnother Charter Schools Week is in the books
New state data offer tantalizing clues about Ohio’s teacher shortages
Jessica PoinerTeacher shortages have been a hot topic over the last few years.
Reinventing Ohio’s Charter School Sector, 2015–2023: Ohio’s successful charter turnaround—and what’s needed next
Aaron ChurchillFor more than two decades, the charter school movement has aimed to provide parents with more public-school options, empower educators to launch innovative schools, and boost student achievement. This report looks at the progress Ohio is making toward achieving these ambitious goals. It includes an overview of the landmark reforms that state lawmakers enacted in 2015 to strengthen accountability for charter school performance, as well as the improvements the sector has made since then. The report also discusses the large funding disparities that public charter schools in Ohio still face, and how legislators can work to bridge those gaps.