Schools battle for N.O. students Oct 7, 2008
This school year -- as the city's post-flood population continued to stabilize and dozens of open-enrollment charter schools took root -- New Orleans has emerged as one of the most competitive cities in the country for public schools vying to recruit students. This summer, many charter schools set up tables near Wal-Mart, working to lure students away from other schools with promises of better teachers, test scores and extracurricular activities ... Schools competed most fiercely for... (Nola.com -- Sports)
No on Proposition S Oct 7, 2008
The bond badly shortchanges charter schools. About $100 million less than 5 percent is set aside for charter improvements in a district in which nearly 10 percent of students attend charters. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Opinion)
City school enrollment drops Oct 7, 2008
Many urban districts are experiencing enrollment declines because of the attractiveness of suburban and charter schools, among other reasons. Mr. Roosevelt yesterday blamed the Pittsburgh district's losses on "city flight," an aging population and other demographic issues. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Fred Petersen has missed half of 2008’s regularly scheduled school board meetings Oct 7, 2008
Numbers below do not include special or emergency sessions, joint meetings with charter schools sponsored by the district, organizational meetings or meetings that are closed to the public. Meetings missed. (Winona Daily News, MN)
D.C. School Enrollments Oct 6, 2008
A new study says enrollments at public and public charter schools could grow 00003EAD by 20,000 students by 2015, if current residents and those expected to move to D.C. have confidence in the school system. D.C. is projected to add more than 40,000 residents by 2015. (W-USA News, DC)
OBAMA CALLS MCCAIN 'ERRATIC IN CRISIS'... Oct 5, 2008
Ayers still agitates for the overthrow of the capitalist system, and his educational project was designed to create little charter schools for churning out radicals. Why didnt Shane bother to do some of the work Stanley Kurtz had to fight Richard Daley and the Chicago Machine to do. (The Drudge Report)
EDITOR’S MAILBAG (Oct. 4) (25) Oct 5, 2008
Mary Northern wrote on Oct 4, 2008 11:50 AM:" Ms. Crenshaw, you talked about Lebanon being embarrassed. It's letters like yours that is cause for embarrassment, because you did not research the facts. Don't just believe what you are told by a district person you may trust. You did bring up a good point though. Should we treat all children equal or are some children worth less than others? Right now Sand Ridge children are worth about 40% (total tax dollars) of what the regular public school... (Albany Democrat-Herald, OR)
Ex-educators, parent square off Oct 4, 2008
Costello: "I'm a real believer in public education ... I also believe there is a place for alternative education programs and there are children in our community who benefit from charter schools.". Crist: "I think it's a good idea to push (the district). At first I didn't agree with it, but there are people out there that are kind of undecided.". (Daily Triplicate)
Former Tribune editor Lipinski to lead civic engagement Oct 3, 2008
The Urban Education Institute, announced in June, brings together the University-operated charter schools, teacher training programs and groundbreaking research in order to improve educational outcomes for students in Chicago and beyond. The University s Medical Center is working in partnership with South Side health clinics, hospitals and physicians to strengthen the health care resources available to community members. (Univeristy of Chicago Chronicle, IL)
CMS still growing -- just not as fast as expected Oct 3, 2008
Scott McCully, the executive director of planning and student placement at CMS, says it's possible that the decreases could be the result of parents opting for private or charter schools in the area ... "There are students who have left to go to charter schools," says McCully, but he says the road between public and charter schools is a two-way street ... "I also know, however, that there are children who have come back to CMS from charter schools.". (Huntersville Herald, NC)
Fair winners awarded for 4-H/FFA; 150 participate Oct 3, 2008
Youth from urban communities, military installations, after school programs, home schools, public and charter schools benefit from research based educational opportunities that are 4-H programs designed to meet the ever changing needs of 5-19 year olds. The 2008 Cochise County Fair was a great success with 4-H and FFA Exhibits displayed by over 150 4-H & FFA youth members. (Douglas Daily Dispatch, AZ)
CCAC enrollment up; city schools are helping Oct 3, 2008
Funded primarily by the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, the Pittsburgh Promise provides eligible graduates of a city high school or charter schools with awards of up to $20,000 over four years for college tuition. Of the city school graduates enrolled at CCAC, 144 are participating in the Pittsburgh Promise. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
VP Debate: The Biggest Shocker Oct 3, 2008
Racial preferences in college admissions and contracting should to be suspended for 15 years while the government creates a $700 billion entity to fund charter schools and another of similar size to finance public works projects that provide unskilled, last-resort jobs ... Obvious areas of potential anti-Dem apostasy: Charter schools, firing incompetent teachers, class-based affirmative action, welfare. (Slate)
Schwarzenegger outlaws text-messaging while driving Sep 25, 2008
The $90 million remaining in the multitrack program will be shifted over five years to charter schools serving low-income children under SB 658 by Sen ... Schwarzenegger vetoed a similar bill last year because it did not shift the money to charter schools, which are public schools freed from some restrictions imposed by state education laws and local school districts. (Los Angeles Times)
David Dunn tapped as director of Texas Charter Schools Association Sep 24, 2008
officially launched on Tuesday with a focus on helping foster effective charter schools statewide ... In the 2007-08 school year, more than 113,000 students were enrolled in charter schools in Texas. (Austin Business Journal, TX)
DeKalb wisely avoids classroom cuts Sep 23, 2008
Out of 149 campuses, DeKalb operates 14 magnet programs; seven theme schools that focus on a specific field, such as technology; and four system-run charter schools. While many districts now offer magnets, most pass the burden of transportation on parents. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
REGION: Enrollment back up at many schools Sep 23, 2008
surprise surprise wrote on Sep 22, 2008 7:40 PM:the school districts enrollment is up - funny, could it be because they closed most of the charter schools ... Charter schools sprang up to help alleviate that statistic but the school districts did all they could to close the charter schools but for all the wrong reasons ... Teachers' unions also wanted the charter schools closed. (North County Times)
State set to review AIMS test Sep 23, 2008
For school-by-school results on AIMS, including charter schools, go to datacentral. azcentral. (AZCentral -- News)
We Shall Overarch! Sep 23, 2008
" I personally think we need to respond to this crisis by immediately providing universal health care while postponing indefinitely all plans for "comprehensive immigration reform" and "card check" unionization. Racial preferences in college admissions and contracting should to be suspended for 15 years while the government creates a $700 billion entity to fund charter schools and another of similar size to finance public works projects that provide unskilled, last-resort jobs. This no time to... (Slate)
Enrollment drops at Hawaii's public schools Sep 20, 2008
At the same time, charter schools gain nearly 11 percent ... Hawaii public school enrollment dipped less than a half-percent to under 178,000 while charter schools saw a nearly 11 percent gain in students over the previous academic year, figures released yesterday show ... Charter schools account for 7,373 of those students, or 4. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
University High ready for building Sep 20, 2008
The state gives charter schools more flexibility in how they are run as a way of encouraging innovation in public education ... University High officials have tapped into state loans available for charter schools. (Fresno Bee -- Local)
A primer on Tuesday's primaries Sep 20, 2008
She also supports charter schools. Harkness wants to increase jail penalities for violent criminals but supports decriminalization of marijuana, which is a ballot question in November. (Hudson Sun, MA)
Did Obama Just Touch the Third Rail? Sep 20, 2008
Meanwhile, his position on charter schools has gotten both more pro and more con: Under the section headlined (in bold) "Close Low-Performing Charter Schools," it notes that he wants to double federal funding for them. On the page, he has removed the mention of pollution from industrial agriculture. (Slate)
State's budgets could drop 20% Sep 19, 2008
Figures in millions of dollars, except for 10 percent cut to charter schools. Source: State Department of Budget and Finance. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Hawaii public schools see small decline in enrollment Sep 19, 2008
There are 177,871 students enrolled at the 257 Department of Education schools and 31 charter schools, down 0 ... D.O.E. schools enroll 170,498 students, meanwhile charter schools have 7,373 students ... Charter schools saw a 10. (Pacific Business News, HI)
Students at KIPP perform better, study finds Sep 19, 2008
Since their founding in 1994, KIPP public charter schools have won high praise from educators and politicians - some say bordering on worship - for their apparent success in helping poor children of color excel in school. Images. (San Francisco Chronicle)
School vouchers may light up debate Sep 19, 2008
"And parents must have these choices, both with charter schools, school vouchers, and also more choice at the local school."In a candidate questionnaire distributed by the N.C. Family Policy Council, McCrory answered "yes" to, "Should parents who choose to educate their children in private, religious, or home schools receive a voucher or tax credit from the state?"McCrory says Perdue is using the issue of vouchers against him but she supports a state law that gives taxpayer money to private... (News & Observer)
Gratuitous slap at unions Sep 18, 2008
Charter schools are not the answer to improving public education ... Charter schools provide another public school system, not a better public school system ... Look at the records of our local charter schools and say that they are doing a better job than the public schools. (Boston Globe -- Editorial)
Uniting West Michigan's economic agenda Sep 17, 2008
They'll look at the performance of charter schools and vouchers. The conference may also discuss what an executive summary calls ``P-16 councils'' -- state councils that look at education from preschool through college. (Kalamazoo Gazette, MI)
THE NEW THREATS TO CHARTER SCHOOLS Sep 17, 2008
THE State 00004000 University board of trustees just approved seven more charter schools, including four in New York City ... Yet several danger signs have popped up for New York charter schools ... Thomas W. Carroll is president of the Foundation for Education Reform and Accountability and chairman of the Brighter Choice Charter Schools in Albany. (New York Post -- Opinions)
Richardson wins primary Sep 17, 2008
Richardson is a former School Committee member who rose to political power challenging charter schools and made education one of her key campaign issues. Harkness, a lawyer, and Walsh, an architect, are both Town Meeting members. (Framingham TAB, MA)
GOP seems to ignore disabilities issues Sep 17, 2008
First published: Wednesday, September 17, 2008 (Albany Times Union)
Spending money does not always fix the problem Sep 17, 2008
In areas where the majority of students are from low-income households, charter schools could provide an alternative. Charter schools are publicly-funded schools that are not constrained by the same bureaucratic rules that govern public schools. (Atmore Advance, AL)
The forgotten U.S. issue: public education's decline Sep 17, 2008
Non-union charter schools are increasingly replacing unionized schools across the United States. Charter schools that lack sufficient capital budgets, or that employ flawed teaching methods, can be worse for a student than a regular public school ... Mr. Obama's plan would encourage the spread of charter schools. (Globe and Mail -- Business)
Barbra vs. Lady de Rothschild Sep 17, 2008
" That's how often the phrase is repeated. How much more Screw-You-I'm-Taking-You-for-Granted can McCain get? Are conservatives complete suckers?7. McCain's made great progress with independents by going against his party. Obama can do the same thing. Obvious areas of potential anti-Dem apostasy: Charter schools, firing incompetent teachers, class-based affirmative action, welfare. At least express some doubts about liberal legalism or the headlong rush to immigrant semi-amnesty. Last Tuesday... (Slate)
Delayed staff decision affects local schools Sep 16, 2008
Assistant Superintendent of Business Services Gary Black said after the meeting that the high enrollment estimate, made in the spring, had to accommodate potential students in case area charter schools closed, and lowball the possible effect of home-school and out-of-district transfers. He said the district administration had planned ahead, letting them meet the lower enrollment numbers without cutting additional staff. (Lompoc Record, CA)
School violence declines slightly Sep 16, 2008
County's charter schools report fewest incidents Tuesday, September 16, 2008 BY LISA RICH. Acts of violence and vandalism in Mercer County schools slightly dropped in the 2006-07 school year, with Trenton and Lawrence schools reporting the most instances and charter schools reporting the least, according to state data ... In Mercer County, charter schools reported the fewest incidents of violence and vandalism. (NJ.com -- Times)
Needless orthodoxy left behind Sep 15, 2008
By proposing to double federal spending on charter schools, Obama is showing a willingness to put the educational needs of US students above the concerns of a traditional Democratic labor constituency. In an education speech Tuesday at a high school near Dayton, Ohio, the Democratic presidential nominee expressed confidence in public-funded charter schools, which operate outside the control of school districts and free of the union work rules that often stifle education ... Unlike charter... (Boston Globe)
A Trojan Horse Made of Charter-School Money Sep 15, 2008
Like a modern day Odysseus, Obama is plotting to smuggle the National Education Association (NEA) into charter schools. But since charter school supporters would certainly not fall for a large wooden horse today, Obama has concocted a beguiling vow to double the amount of funding for charter schools ... By then, administrators and the NEA will have charter schools mired in the same muck of central control, worthless regulations, and bureaucratic red tape that plagues so many traditional schools.... (Townhall.com)
Why so many talented educators are leaving Boston for New York Sep 14, 2008
A little over three years ago, the founders of three nationally recognized Boston charter schools - Roxbury Preparatory Charter School, Academy of the Pacific Rim, and Boston Collegiate - helped to create an ambitious network of charter schools in New York and New Jersey. Last year, the head of City on a Hill Charter School, which has helped 100 percent of its graduates gain admission to college, moved to New York City to become Chancellor Joel Klein's charter schools chief ... For almost 15... (Boston Globe)
Too many mouths to feed in Benton Sep 14, 2008
148 League of Oregon Charter Schools 0 0. 149 Linn County Foster Parents Association, Inc. 0 300. (Albany Democrat-Herald, OR)
Ads stake campaign territory Sep 14, 2008
This has been a favorite among conservatives, who would like to see some alternatives to the public school system -- whether it's vouchers, charter schools or home schooling. It has become so acceptable in Republican circles to bash public education that nobody batted an eye when GOP congressional candidate Hugh Webster derisively dismissed public schools as "union schools" at a rally Friday night at a Cary VFW hall. (News & Observer)
16 Public Charter Schools in Arizona, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, New Jersey, Ohio and Pennsylvania Honored With National Blue Ribbon Award Sep 13, 2008
WASHINGTON, Sept. 12 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Sixteen public charter schools in nine states have been honored as No Child Left Behind - Blue Ribbon Schools by the U.S. Department of Education, the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools announced today. "Given the freedom to innovate and under a contract that holds them accountable for results, public charter schools are making a difference in students' lives -- not just in these 16 schools, but all around the country," said National... (PR Newswire)
Candidates attend forum days before primary election Sep 13, 2008
Neither supported raising the cap on charter schools, with Hurd saying it would sap more money out of local school districts and Donnelly saying it would take control away from elected school committees. To pay for the programs they endorsed, both support giving municipalities the right to levy hotel and meal taxes, though Hurd added a caveat that revenues from those taxes should be earmarked for specific programs. (Arlington Advocate, MA)
More of this story Sep 12, 2008
There are also anecdotal stories of families bailing out of Cornelius for private or charter schools, but the numbers are fluid and difficult to confirm ... That may very well be due to a larger than expected number of students transferring to local charter schools, but the reasons for those transfers are open to interpretation. (Huntersville Herald, NC)
The Sarah Palin Squeeze Sep 12, 2008
They may have had poor teachers, pushed forward through union seniority rather than merit, and they may have had no alternative to bad schools, such as vouchers and charter schools. . (Townhall.com)
Bus service just one of cuts DeKalb schools weighing Sep 12, 2008
The move to end out-of-zone busing would affect about 5,600 of the district s 99,600 students, including those who may be enrolled in magnet schools, charter schools and academic theme schools or who transferred from lower-performing campuses. No other system in Georgia has as wide a range of magnet and choice schools or offers such extensive bus service. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Metro)
Click for list of school closings reported to WWL-TV Sep 12, 2008
Audubon Charter Schools. Algiers Charter Schools. (WWLTV.com, LA)
Choices for the Legislature Sep 11, 2008
Harkness is also an unapologetic supporter of public charter schools, which are driving school reform in Massachusetts. Pam Richardson, the one-term incumbent, has been a consistent voice for public education funding. (Boston Globe)
Sex Offender Who Posed as 12-Year-Old Pleads Guilty Sep 11, 2008
PHOENIX A sex offender who posed as boy while enrolling in charter schools has pleaded guilty to seven charges, including four felony counts of sexual exploitation of a minor. Authorities don't believe Neil Havens Rodreick II, 30, sexually abused any children at the schools, just attended classes and befriended them. (Fox News)
NYT: McCain's sex-ed ad distorts Obama policy Sep 11, 2008
In reality, Mr. Obama not only helped administer a $49 million education project in Chicago in the 1990s, but also sponsored or co-sponsored measures that increased the number of charter schools in Illinois, and expanded federal grants to summer school programs and to historically black colleges. As support for its contention that Mr. Obama is wrong on education, Mr. McCains advertisement cited criticism by Education Week, a trade publication. (MSNBC -- Politics)
Thousands of DeKalb students may lose bus rides Sep 11, 2008
The change affects about 5,600 of the school district s 99,600 students, including those who may be enrolled in magnet schools, charter schools and academic theme schools or who transferred from lower-performing campuses ... Out of 153 campuses total, DeKalb currently offers 14 magnet programs, seven theme schools (schools that concentrate on a specific discipline, such as technology) and four system-run charter schools. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Metro)
LETTERS: NCT, Sept. 10, 2008 Sep 11, 2008
Sshe wants school choice to be made available throughout the country and more help for charter schools. 6. (North County Times)
Sex offender guilty of posing as 12-year-old Sep 11, 2008
Rodreick attended charter schools in Surprise, Payson and Prescott Valley starting in 2005, authorities said. They say he shaved and wore make-up to help him appear younger, convincing teachers, students and administrators that he was a young boy named Casey. (The Age, Australia -- World)
Did Palin give McCain a boost with women? Sep 11, 2008
But he also placed new emphasis on the issue of education, promising at a campaign stop to double funding for charter schools, pay teachers based on performance and replace those who aren't up to the job, embracing education proposals normally more popular with Republican candidates. The Republicans, too, are actively wooing women voters. (Globe and Mail)
Teachers union initiates school reform plan Sep 11, 2008
Union-run charter schools similar to those in New York City. Pay-for-performance plans as developed in Denver. (USA Today)
Obama Needs To Start Fighting a Lot Dirtier Sep 11, 2008
Obama's speech on charter schools and the importance of education in Dayton, Ohio yesterday did nothing to advance his candidacy. Instead, all the energy and resources of his campaign were spent explaining that the phrase "You can put lipstick on a pig, but it's still a pig," is an old English axiom meant to convey that deception has limits. (Slate)
Obama outlines broad plan for US education Sep 10, 2008
Senator Barack Obama, responding in part to new competition for the women's vote from Republican vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin, outlined his plan to overhaul education yesterday, pledging to double federal funding for public charter schools, spend $500 million to upgrade school technology, and award merit pay for teachers, including higher salaries for math and science instructors ... Two elements of Obama's plan in particular may appeal to some independents and Republicans: his call for... (Boston Globe)
NEA Applauds Sen. Obama's Comprehensive Approach to Education Reform Sep 10, 2008
"Sen. Obama gets it," said Dennis Van Roekel, president of NEA. "He knows that reform cannot take place overnight or by using quick fixes. Obama wants to invest in comprehensive strategies, both immediate and long-term, which will pay dividends for our children, our economy and our country." Obama's plan includes investing in innovation, integrating technology into coursework, increasing college access and affordability, recruiting, preparing and retaining qualified teachers, and doubling the... (PR Newswire)
Obama: more money for charter schools Sep 10, 2008
(AP) promised Tuesday to double funding for charter schools, pay teachers based on performance and replace those who aren't up to the job, embracing education proposals normally more popular with Republican candidates ... The federal government spends about $200 million a year on charter schools, independently run institutions that receive public money ... Obama recognized that charter schools have been a source of debate in Ohio. (Crain's Chicago Business)
Lagging in polls, Obama lashes McCain Sep 10, 2008
The Democrat vowed to double federal funding for charter schools, publicly funded but independently run schools that are held accountable for their results. Obama accused McCain of having done nothing in his long Senate tenure to improve education and said the country needs a bipartisan drive to stop the deterioration of the its educational system. (International Herald Tribune -- Technology)
Obama rejects Bush's Iraq withdrawal plan Sep 10, 2008
Obama vowed to double federal funding for privately run charter schools and accusing opponent John McCain of having done nothing in his long Senate tenure to improve education for American students. Charter schools, so-called because they are privately run, are a campaign issue because they generally conflict philosophically with the long U.S. tradition of providing federal education funding to public schools that are run by local governments. (MSNBC -- Politics)
Palin lies could lead to Bridge to Oblivion Sep 10, 2008
Double funding for charter schools, and performance pay for teachers - that ought to sit well with the union. What s next, vouchers. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
Little glee in delay of school opening Sep 10, 2008
I mean all I hear is "charter schools this and declining enrollment that." This is a slap in the face to all the students, parents and teachers who are constantly defending Albany city schools and, more specifically, Albany High School. 1. (Albany Times Union)
Obama embraces charter school plan Sep 10, 2008
Obama embraces charter schools in education plan ... DAYTON, Ohio Barack Obama is promising to double funding for charter schools and replace inferior teachers, embracing education reform proposals normally more popular with Republican candidates ... The federal government spends about $200 million a year on charter schools, privately run institutions that receive public money. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
