Poverty Isn't Destiny
Aaron ChurchillSince 2005, the Thomas B. Fordham Institute has published annual analyses of Ohio’s state report cards.
Why Ohio should rename the Gap Closing component on its school report cards
Aaron ChurchillTitles and descriptions matter in school rating systems. One remembers with chagrin Ohio’s former “Continuous Improvement” rating that schools could receive even though their performance fell relative to the prior year. Mercifully, the state retired that rating (along with other descriptive labels) and has since moved to a more intuitive A–F system.
Ohio Charter News Weekly – 11.27.19 (Thanksgiving Edition)
Chad L. Aldis, Jeff MurrayIn the spirit of giving thanks, we offer you not the usual charter school related news clips this week but a look back at some of the things happening this year for which we as charter school supporters should be grateful.
2019 Fordham Sponsorship Annual Report
In our 2019 annual report, we provide insight into our sponsorship work during the year and the performance of our sponsored schools. We are also pleased to highlight the good work of our colleagues on Fordham’s policy and research teams.
Ohio Charter News Weekly – 11.22.19
Chad L. Aldis, Jeff MurrayBusting the “big lie” about charter schools
How can Ohio improve funding for low-income students?
Aaron ChurchillNote: This is the seventh in a series of blog posts on school funding in Ohio; for the previous
Ohio Charter News Weekly – 11.15.19
Chad L. Aldis, Jeff MurrayMore school bus woes in Columbus
Testimony given before the Ohio Report Card Study Committee – 11/13/19
Chad L. AldisNOTE: Today the Ohio Report Card Study Committee heard testimony from a number of stakeholder groups on various aspects of the state’s school and district report cards. Fordham vice president Chad Aldis was invited to provide testimony. This is the written version his remarks.
Ohio Charter News Weekly – 11.8.19
Chad L. Aldis, Jeff MurrayTSA is a bright part of Toledo’s future
Ohio Charter News Weekly – 11.1.19
Chad L. Aldis, Jeff MurrayChanging the game in Parma
The Nation’s Report Card delivers sobering news to Ohio
Aaron Churchill“Confront the brutal facts (yet never lose faith)” – Jim Collins, Good to Great Cheerleading on schools and students is widespread in K–12 education. Go to a school district website and you’re bound to see something heralding an afterschool program, celebrating an arts initiative, or profiling the most recent teacher of the year.
Pathway to Success: Arts & College Preparatory Academy creates safe spaces for students to grow
Lyman MillardParents, when surveyed, routinely tell us that safety is one of their top priorities when choosing a school. Although what exactly constitutes a “safe” school likely varies, for many it means a place where children feel welcomed and accepted.
Ohio Charter News Weekly – 10.25.19
Chad L. Aldis, Jeff MurrayOhio charters get the cold shoulder from lawmakers
So far, LeBron’s I Promise School is keeping its promise
Jessica PoinerLast year, NBA superstar LeBron James opened I Promise School (IPS), a school for at-risk kids in his hometown of Akron, Ohio. In its first year (2018–19), IPS served 240 students in grades three and four.
Ohio Charter News Weekly – 10.18.19
Chad L. Aldis, Jeff MurrayCongratulations to Ohio’s high quality charter schools!
How Columbus Public Schools revealed a new way to game the state report card
Vladimir KoganAuthor’s correction and update: The original version of this post incorrectly stated that Columbus had increased the minimum test score needed to be classified as “on track” in third-grade reading and to not be placed on a reading improvement and monitoring plan (RIMP).
The Cupp-Patterson funding plan gives school choice the cold shoulder
Aaron ChurchillNote: This is the fifth in a series of blog posts on school funding in Ohio; for the previous posts, see here,
Ohio Charter News Weekly – 10.11.19
Chad L. Aldis, Jeff Murray“Go visit a charter school”
Ohio Charter News Weekly – 10.4.19
Chad L. Aldis, Jeff MurrayThe best charter school-related story you’ll read this week
Ohio Charter News Weekly – 9.27.19
Chad L. Aldis, Jeff MurrayDigging into charter school ratings across the state
Report cards reveal more signs of improvement in Ohio’s charter school sector
Aaron ChurchillSchool turnaround policy for Ohio districts, including Youngstown and Lorain, has attracted tremendous attention in recent months.
Ohio’s softened graduation requirements boosted state report card grades
Jessica PoinerWhen Governor DeWine signed the state budget into law in mid-July, it marked the end of ye
Academic distress commissions just might be improving student achievement
Aaron ChurchillGallons of ink, some on this blog, have been spilled about what Ohio should do about academically troubled school districts.
A primer on the Senate’s proposal to overhaul academic distress commissions
Jessica PoinerThe hottest topic of conversation in education circles these days is what the legislature plans to do with academic distress commissions (ADCs), the state’s method for intervening in persistently low-performing school district
Fair funding plans don’t stop at the school district level
Aaron ChurchillNote: This is the fourth in a series of posts on school funding in Ohio.
Ohio Charter News Weekly – 9.13.19
Chad L. Aldis, Jeff MurrayThe view from the debate stage
Fordham Institute media statement on school report cards
Ohio Education GadflyToday, the Ohio Department of Education released annual report cards for Ohio’s 610 school districts and roughly 3,500 public schools. Based on data from the 2018-19 school year, report cards include a user-friendly, overall rating along with component ratings that provide additional context.
Testimony given before the Senate Education Committee on substitute House Bill 154—9/10/19
Chad L. AldisNOTE: Today the Ohio Senate’s Education Committee heard testimony on a substitute version of House Bill 154, addressing