The Next Step in the Big Easy: Texas Charter Schools meet up at National Charter Conference
Kathleen_Reynolds | | 
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Texas charter schools continue to support the goal of creating a robust statewide association, and are being asked to play a big role in getting the organization up and running. Charter educators from across Texas came together in New Orleans last week at a reception Tuesday night and a Texas breakout meeting Wednesday morning during the four day conference that drew 3000 educators from across the country. Katie Howell of the Resource Center for Charter Schools facilitated the Texas meeting where Lori Fey, from the Michael and Susan Dell Foundation (MSDF) and Jonas Chartock of the Charter Policy Institute (CSPI) updated those in attendance about the progress of The Next Step campaign. "What a difference a year makes," said Howell who noted that charter school educators are working closely together on many aspects of the new organization.
Chartock reported to the group that CSPI is pleased with progress of the campaign, "We are on track for closing down the Institute by the end of the summer," he said. "CSPI always said that we need one organization in Texas and the best way we can help that come to fruition is to transfer much of what we do to the new association." Lori Fey reported on MSDF conversations with other national funders. "There is a lot of support for the critical work Texas is undertaking to unify the charter community, we anticipate start-up support from a number of national philanthropic interests as Texas charters launch the new organization," she said. Fey also said the foundation is supporting several critical work streams including the ongoing national search for an executive director, the development of quality standards for member schools, and the creation of a suite of services and trainings the association will offer to its members.
All speakers encouraged those in attendance to participate in building the association by signing up at www.thenextsteptexas.org. The member council of the new association is seeking leaders to participate in the development of the association.
Charter Superintendents meet in Austin to review 2009 Advocacy Goals
A cross section of charter leaders from various organizations met in Austin last month to review top policy priorities and seek common ground on an advocacy agenda. Members of TEACH, CHOICE, and ACE and came together with other charter school leaders to explore areas of agreement on key legislative and regulatory needs in advance of the 81st Legislature. On issues related to funding, facilities, and accountability, there is a growing sense of agreement by the stakeholders. "It's exciting to see that we are in agreement on the long term goals for charter schools in Texas," said KIPP's Mike Feinberg. "I'm looking forward to working in a very unified way with my colleagues as we approach the next session."
The advocacy work will continue with another meeting in July at the Pegasus Charter School in Dallas.
Take a Break, but Get Involved
With summer in full swing, The Next Step knows many charter leaders will take a much deserved break. But we need your continued involvement as we head into a new school year. Be on the lookout for invitations to several member council events during the summer. Stay tuned for more details as we seek volunteers to help us build a world class organization for Texas charter schools.
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The Charter School Policy Institute (CSPI) provides timely high quality information, analysis, and opinion to policymakers, thought leaders, and key public school choice stakeholders in Texas and across the nation. The Institute is creating the forum, content, and process for building a new robust statewide association of Texas charter schools at: www.thenextsteptexas.org
Did the MA Readiness Project Miss the Mark?
Amanda_Hillman | | 0
Massachusetts governor Deval Patrick unrolled his new proposal for comprehensive improvement of education over the next ten years. While it includes some bold new ideas, many are disappointed at what was most noticeably absent - an intention to lift the cap on charter schools. In trying new approaches, is the governor overlooking some tested-and-true solutions in Charter Schools?
Many Boston TFA alumni teach and/or lead in local charter schools. What do you think?
Read on for links to news coverage on the debate, and for a link to the famed Readiness Report itself.
Massachusetts, Readiness Project, charter schools, charter (all tags)
Teach For America alum creates school giving teachers $125,000!
Check out what this alum is starting in NYC. This article is a must read.
Would six-figure salaries attract better teachers?
teachers, salary, nytimes, pay, charter, nyc, alum (all tags)