Lingle unveils plan to end school furloughs (1178) Nov 18, 2009
The grants would reportedly be used for innovative learning approaches such as charter schools or judging teachers based on student test scores. Applications are due in January and the first round of grants go out in April. (Lihue Garden Island, HA)
City schools get $40 million from Gates Foundation Nov 18, 2009
Besides Pittsburgh, the Gates Foundation tomorrow is expected to announce teacher-effectiveness grants and partnerships involving a group of Los Angeles charter schools and school districts in Hillsborough County, Fla ... Last spring, the Gates Foundation invited the charter schools and nine school districts to compete for teacher-effectiveness grants. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Professor puts savings for state up to $186M Nov 17, 2009
Supporters of the tax credits argue that the program saves the state substantial money because it enables students who normally would attend publicly funded district or charter schools to attend private schools ... The reason is that the growth of public charter schools during that time likely drained many students from private schools. (AZCentral -- News)
Mass. Senate delays vote on charter schools expansion bill Nov 17, 2009
Senate delays vote on charter schools expansion bill - The Boston Globe ... Speedy legislative approval of a bill that would expand charter schools appeared to be in doubt last night as the Senate confronted mounting opposition on an array of provisions and 95 amendments to the bill, delaying a vote in that chamber at least until today ... Applications for the first round of funding are due by mid-January, and one way the state can earn extra points is if they remove restrictions on the addition... (Boston Globe)
Editorial: Join the 'Race to the Top' Nov 17, 2009
It would lift the cap on new charter schools in the state's lowest-performing districts, doubling the percentage of the local school budget that can be diverted to charter schools. It lifts the statewide cap on charter schools, and creates a new breed of innovative schools within school districts ... In response to the longstanding complaints about the charter school funding formula, the bill increases the reimbursements for school districts that lose funding to charter schools, stretching the... (Wakefield Daily Item, MA)
Private schools get more popular in Pakistan Nov 16, 2009
In the big picture, proponents of private schools echo the argument for charter schools in the U.S. - that they can make schools better and children more educated, and in Pakistan's case, dent poverty and the appeal of extremism. Still, analysts say they are no cure-all, cautioning that insurgent movements emerge for reasons well beyond a glut of youth with little secular education. (San Francisco Chronicle)
More of this story Nov 16, 2009
Published: Sunday, November 15, 2009 3:10 AM HST LIHU E Public and charter schools offering H1N1 (swine flu) vaccinations for students and school staff have enough supplies for school clinics starting on Kaua i later this month, said Dr. Sarah Park, state epidemiologist with the Department of Health. Ensuring 80,000 vaccines for students and school staff statewide means more of the remaining 100,000 doses of the swine flu vaccines can be given to private providers for distribution to people at... (Lihue Garden Island, HA)
Jeff Smith, 2 others to be sentenced Nov 16, 2009
Although he had been involved in public service, founding charter schools in St. Louis in 2002, he had never held elected office. Smiths only political experience came from chairing Browns state legislative campaign and serving as the Iowa director of Bill Bradleys presidential campaign in 2000. (Washington University Student Life, MO)
Babson Park observes Red Ribbon Week Nov 15, 2009
The judging panel for both contests included Lake Wales Charter Schools Superintendent Jesse Jackson, LWCS Board Chair David Ullman and Mike Willis, pastor of Babson Park Community Church. Red Ribbon Week is the oldest drug-free campaign in the country. (Lake Wales News, FL)
Raise dropout age to 18 Nov 15, 2009
Also hopeful is the recent legislative focus on raising the cap on charter schools in lagging school districts where the dropout rates are triple or quadruple the statewide average of 3. 4 percent. (Boston Globe)
Education seen as hope for Pakistan Nov 15, 2009
In the big picture, proponents of private schools echo the argument for charter schools in the United States - that they can make schools better and children more educated, and in Pakistan s case dent poverty and the appeal of extremism. Still, analysts say they are no cure-all, cautioning that insurgent movements emerge for reasons well beyond a glut of youth with little secular education. (Boston Globe)
Raising citizen involvement Nov 15, 2009
I will stand with the president as a reformer who embraces new ideas like charter schools, innovation, and accountability. We need to clarify our mission in Afghanistan and level with people about the costs in American lives and treasure. (Boston Globe)
Lingle won't use $35M stimulus to ease Hawaii school furloughs Nov 15, 2009
But Smith noted that charter schools and the governor's Science, Technology, Engineering and Math initiative are high on the list of priorities. Earlier this week, Charter Schools Executive Director Maunalei Love indicated that charters were promised $24 million of the $35 million ... "We know that the charter schools have done an excellent job of putting together a plan that would have them spending up to $24 million. It is a little too early to say whether that is the total that they will... (Honolulu Advertiser)
Schools earn energy award Nov 15, 2009
Published: Saturday, November 14, 2009 10:07 AM EST The Lake Wales Charter Schools system has five school campuses that have earned Energy Star awards. Lake Wales High, Dale R. Fair Babson Park Elementary, Hillcrest Elementary, Janie Howard Wilson Elementary, and Polk Avenue Elementary all now have bronze Energy Star plaques attesting to their efficient status. (Lake Wales News, FL)
Elgin ISD offers Texas Virtual School Network Nov 15, 2009
The TxVSN acts as a statewide clearinghouse for courses provided by Texas school districts, open enrollment charter schools, education service centers and public or private institutions of higher education ... Planning for Success public school districts and open enrollment charter schools are encouraged to review local needs to determine if TxVSN courses can serve as a supplemental option for students ... Districts and open enrollment charter schools participating in TxVSN must complete an... (Elgin Courier, TX)
Robin Hood Says `Hell Yeah' to Wall Street Recovery Led by Goldman Bonuses Nov 14, 2009
The foundation is the top nongovernment source of funding for charter schools in New York City. Other programs it supports include: Single Stop USA, which helps poor households secure government benefits; Teacher U, a graduate-level teacher training program; and the Carrera model, which seeks to prevent teen pregnancy. (Bloomberg)
U.S. education chief chides Hawaii for school furloughs Nov 14, 2009
She had originally earmarked a large portion of the money for charter schools, which would have better positioned the state for Race to the Top dollars, some say. Several lawmakers, however, say the governor should consider using the $35 million to cover some of the furlough days, a move that might bolster Hawai'i's position in the eyes of the feds. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Grants now in jeopardy with Furlough Fridays Nov 14, 2009
Among other criteria for stimulus grants are a commitment to developing common, nationwide academic standards; creating more "high quality" charter schools; and turning around the lowest-performing schools, according to the federal government ... It will also incorporate charter schools into its Race to the Top application ... Among other criteria for stimulus grants are a commitment to developing common, nationwide academic standards; creating more "high quality" charter schools; and turning... (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Vaccine fear has pregnant moms, kids risking flu Nov 13, 2009
Students and staff from public schools, private schools, child care centers, pre-kindergarten, Head Start, charter schools and home schools who live in the ZIP codes 32713, 32725, 32738, 32764 32720, 32724, 32744 and 32763. Meanwhile, Flagler County residents who fall into five designated groups at the top of the priority list can get vaccinated for free from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Flagler Palm Coast High School. (Daytona Beach News Journal)
Mass. may get additional $250m from US for education efforts Nov 13, 2009
The bill would expand the number of high-performing charter schools and would bolster the state s power to take over failing schools. Both those items, under the US funding guidelines, would earn the state huge points on its application. (Boston Globe)
Stand up for students in state’s weakest schools Nov 13, 2009
The bill, which both the House and Senate are expected to take up early next week, raises the cap on charter schools and works around obstructive unions in schools where poor teaching and inflexible work rules undermine classroom performance. It doubles the capacity for charter schools in the state s weakest school districts, and it gives school superintendents and the state education commissioner greater say in staffing and school restructuring - including the ability, if need be, to... (Boston Globe)
Senate hopefuls turn up volume Nov 13, 2009
In their feistiest face-off of the race, the four Democrats vying for the US Senate clashed in a radio debate yesterday over health care, congressional earmarks, charter schools, and free speech, repeatedly shouting over one another as they aired significant distinctions on policy ... The candidates also differed on their support for charter schools ... Coakley and Capuano said they would not support additional charter schools in Massachusetts without ensuring that they did not suck more money... (Boston Globe)
Obama Uses School Dollars To Prod States To Change Nov 13, 2009
The Obama administration was opening the competition Thursday for grants for ideas like charter schools or judging teachers based on student test scores ... National teachers' unions, typically Democratic allies, have chastised him for relying too heavily on test scores and charter schools when the administration first proposed rules for the competition ... " Joanne Weiss, the Education Department overseeing the grants, said states will be rewarded for taking aggressive steps to ensure that... (KCRA 3, CA)
Education reform is in for a big test Nov 13, 2009
This would enable us to be competitive for Race to the Top both on the grounds of charter schools and on innovation ... It would eliminate or loosen most of the caps that now restrict charter schools ... The overall limit of 72 Commonwealth (initially nonunionized) charter schools and 48 Horace Mann (unionized) charters would be eliminated. (Boston Globe)
Houston KIPP schools receive Gates funds Nov 12, 2009
A financial boost from the will allow Houston charter schools that are part of the to obtain bond financing at a lower interest rate. The Seattle foundation is providing a $30 million credit support agreement to the Houston charter schools the first time the foundation has supported charter school bond programs with this type of financing ... Knowledge Is Power Program (KIPP) currently operates 15 charter schools serving 4,000 students in the Houston area. (Houston Business Journal, TX)
Support night drawsa Polk Ave. crowd Nov 12, 2009
All four elementary schools in the Lake Wales Charter Schools system have a privately funded Kindergarten Support Program that provides additional staff and intensive instruction. Article Rating. (Lake Wales News, FL)
College Democrats host superintendent Nov 12, 2009
This model includes schools with single-gender classrooms, Montessori programs, magnet schools and public charter schools. Despite many setbacks in the public education system, Rex said we are a state on the move. (Gamecock Online, SC)
Hillcrest kidsdesigning roller coasters Nov 12, 2009
The lab was donated in 2004 by the Herndon Charitable Foundation when the Lake Wales Charter Schools system first opened. Article Rating. (Lake Wales News, FL)
Gates Foundation gives financial boost to Houston charter schools Nov 12, 2009
Gates Foundation provides financial boost to Houston charter schools - Puget Sound Business Journal (Seattle) ... Gates Foundation provides financial boost to Houston charter schools ... The is providing some financial support to charter schools in Houston that will allow the schools to obtain bond financing at a lower interest rate. (Puget Sound Business Journal, WA)
Community Calendar and Area Events Nov 12, 2009
Lake Wales Charter Schools Board of Trustees Meeting Nov. 16 at 3:30 p.m. ... Lake Wales Charter Schools Board of Trustees Meeting Dec. 21 at 3:30 p.m. work session, 5:30 p.m. meeting. (Lake Wales News, FL)
Charter schools expecting $24M Nov 12, 2009
The bulk of the $35 million in federal stimulus money under Gov. Linda Lingle's control was originally earmarked for charter schools, officials said ... The governor committed that money to the charter schools a couple of months ago, but the money has yet to be received or spent, Love said ... Roy Takumi said the initial plan to spend a portion of the stimulus money on charter schools would have helped Hawaii garner competitive federal dollars, known as the Race to the Top fund. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Teacher Unions Win Changes to Obama's Rules for Education Stimulus Grants Nov 12, 2009
Among the other criteria for the stimulus grants are a commitment to developing common, nationwide academic standards; creating more high quality charter schools and turning around the lowest-performing schools, according to the summary ... The Education Department also sought to clarify that it doesnt view charter schools as the chief remedy for turning around chronically low-performing schools ... Charter schools operate under contracts with school districts and are exempt from... (Bloomberg -- US)
Bill allowing more charter schools goes to Senate Nov 11, 2009
New charter schools bill moves to the Senate ... A key legislative committee approved a bill yesterday that would allow more charter schools in the state s most troubled districts while giving the state the power to take over failing schools ... The change is viewed as a major victory for Menino, who garnered widespread support among local leaders statewide last summer after filing legislation to empower school committees to create in-district charter schools. (Boston Globe)
Shorter summer could be outcome of Cobb vote Wednesday Nov 11, 2009
As a parent of one of the very few charter schools in Cobb, we have been on a balanced calendar from the start of our school, although this year our calendar mirrored the Cobb County calendar more. (due to a school move). (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Metro)
LETTER: Errors, omissions in Ethics Commissions letter, reporting Nov 10, 2009
While I can appreciate the state Ethics Commission s educational intent in explaining the application of conflict-of-interest laws with regard to charter schools, I am compelled to respond to factual errors and omissions in the Commission s letters of education, and in the manner in which you reported on this story. Your article failed to include any interviews with me (or Mr. Commeret) the two key subjects of the Commission s letters and never questioned why the Commission revisited a... (Marblehead Reporter, MA)
House leader: Early ed system focus not on par with K-12 Nov 10, 2009
As lawmakers grapple with a pair of Gov. Deval Patrick's proposals to expand charter schools and empower the state to intervene in underperforming K-12 schools, Haddad emphasized that equal focus should be on children's education from birth to age five. "We should be prioritizing all children from the minute they arrive with us," she said. (Cambridge Chronicle, MA)
Shouldnt the goal in Georgia be good schools, charter or not? Nov 10, 2009
Her greeting to me was, You are the only person in the state who does not like charter schools. She was referring to a column I wrote for the Monday education page in the print AJC. I explained to her that I like good schools, charter or not, but that I felt the General Assembly had talked about nothing but charter schools for two years to the detriment of more effective reform models ... Thats how I felt Friday at the Capitol as I watched at least 1,500 students, parents and politicians... (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Metro)
'Pelosicare' Vote Is Political Suicide Nov 10, 2009
"Theres a lot of concern out there over government intervention into our economy, whether its on healthcare or energy or the banks or the autos, and that put some wind to Governor-elect [Chris] Christie and McDonnells backs, which was good. They also had positive agendas, and in New Jersey you had the added factor that Governor Jon Corzine, the incumbent, had very low approval ratings, and people wanted to make a change there. In Virginia, I think Bob McDonnell showed how a conservative can... (Newsmax)
State House Weekly Roundup: Elections result, Oct. 31-Nov. 6 Nov 10, 2009
Senators talked policy privately Thursday, assembling in Senate President Therese Murray's office to discuss charter schools. The Senate is ready to move ahead. (Malden Observer, MA)
Learning Curve: Tough charter choices Nov 10, 2009
That s how I felt Friday at the Capitol as I watched at least 1,500 students, parents and politicians celebrate charter schools and demand more of them. I want to say to the legislators who have not been supportive of charter schools that I wish you saw this sea of faces of children in charter schools, said state Rep ... 6 million Georgia children who are not in charter schools. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
Wis. gov. signs education bills, wants fed dollars Nov 10, 2009
The other two bills allow require school boards to follow national standards when setting up charter schools and allow Milwaukee schools to apply directly to DPI for grants rather than go through the state Department of Administration. Gasper said the charter school standards legislation aren't required for Race to the Top money but will bolster the application. (Chippewa Falls Chippewa Herald, WI)
Pick reformers for school panel Nov 9, 2009
During his reelection campaign, Menino endorsed merit pay for the city s teachers and reiterated his support for in-district charter schools where collective bargaining agreements could be overturned if needed to turn around failing schools. The union isn t onboard with either idea. (Boston Globe)
Rewriting law could improve charter schools Nov 9, 2009
A new look at the state charter school law could result in colleges and universities being able to approve charter schools, more accountability for charters and increased ability for such schools to occupy a district's unused buildings ... Mr. Piccola said how much charter schools would grow would depend on the demand, but he said he views them as a way to replace failing schools and as a "very productive tool for educational accountability." ... Lawrence Jones Jr., president of the Pennsylvania... (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Kelso schools to open 'Virtual Academy' Nov 9, 2009
Financial Cancer wrote on Nov 8, 2009 4:17 PM:" Viewpoint: Keep telling it like it is. Quite frankly, I can't believe TDN didn't censor the truth. This is all about keeping the gravy train from leaving the area. What a great return for the district. They could enroll thirty previous homeschool students to one teacher and still have a b*tt load of cash after paying out their salary. We need to bring back Charter schools. Create some healthy competition for our students and our dollars. Not... (Longview Daily News, WA)
Bok Academy embarrasses county (11) Nov 8, 2009
Published: Saturday, November 7, 2009 10:08 AM EST Bok Academy and the Lake Wales Charter Schools have embarrassed the Polk County School Board ... It is apparent that the Lake Wales Charter Schools system is executing their charter, serving the wants and needs of the community with the best interest of the children coming first ... For the School Board to position themselves as an adversary of Lake Wales Charter schools is unproductive and childish. (Lake Wales News, FL)
Funds let school expand aid to troubled students Nov 8, 2009
Stabilization funds: Helped avoid further cuts in education by backfilling Arizona school districts' and charter schools' operating budgets this school year. Amount: $472 million. (AZCentral -- News)
Nebraska man takes stand on Elkhorn School bus issue (2) Nov 8, 2009
Are charter schools forcing students to pay for bussing. I also seem to recall at the beginning of this year a school bus parked in front of In and Out Burger with a big sign saying that LUSD transportation department was hiring full and part-time drivers. (Lodi News Sentinel, CA)
Hudson delegation heads to Harlem seeking youth funds Nov 8, 2009
HCZ s programs, which include asthma prevention, dental, medical and psychiatric care, early childhood education, charter schools, and after-school activities, reach about 8,200 young people out of 11,300 in Central Harlem. Hughes said he has been researching the HCZ and believes Hudson would be an excellent location for one of the 20 grants, given that 29 percent of the city s residents live below the poverty line according to the Columbia County Planning Agency. (Hudson Register Star, NY)
Walker forfeits football victories Nov 8, 2009
Algiers Charter Schools Association Athletic Director Brian Gibson, who also is an assistant principal at Walker, deferred comment, he said, while he waits for further details. Walker Coach Emanuel Powell declined to comment. (Nola.com -- Sports)
Floridas Natural Foundation gives out inaugural grants Nov 8, 2009
Highlands County Habitat for Humanity, Lake Wales Care Center, Lake Wales Charter Schools, Lake Wales Family Literacy Council, Lake Wales Girl Scouts, Lake Wales Literacy Council, Lake Wales YMCA, Our Children's Academy, Polk County Agri-fest/Polk County Farm Bureau, Polk Education Foundation, Polk State College Foundation Scholarship Recognition Inc., Umatilla Kiwanis Club, United Way of Central Florida/Family Fundamentals and Let s Grow Initiative We Care of Polk County. Formed in 1933, the... (Lake Wales News, FL)
Read the story Nov 7, 2009
Unemployment Rate Soars Past 10 Percent - CBS News. WASHINGTON, Nov. 6, 2009. (CBS News -- Evening News)
Students rally for choice as charter interviews begin Nov 7, 2009
State officials on Friday postponed a decision on applications for five groups that want to start new virtual charter schools in Georgia that would be funded like other public schools ... "There is a need to do some more research and study the virtual charter question in Georgia," said Andrew Broy, state associate superintendent of education who oversees charter schools ... On Friday, Georgia Charter Schools Commission panels interviewed representatives of Georgia Connections Academy, Georgia... (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Metro)
Thousands attend rally for charter schools Nov 7, 2009
Georgia has about 120 charter schools, which are funded with taxpayer dollars but are exempt from many of the rules that govern public schools ... The rally was organized by the Georgia Charter Schools Association. (Athens Banner-Herald)
Frank was there when partner arrested Nov 7, 2009
Healey urges lifting of charter schools cap Kerry Healey, the former lieutenant governor, sent out an e-mail yesterday urging Massachusetts to lift its cap on charter schools. Healey, the Republican 2006 gubernatorial candidate who is director of the Pioneer Institute, said that with President Obama setting aside $4 billion for charter school expansion, Massachusetts should try to get as much of the funding as possible. (Boston Globe)
Fight triggers sportsmanship hearing Nov 7, 2009
The LHSAA, the Algiers Charter Schools Association and New Orleans Public Schools officials were reviewing the situation through interviews and game tapes to make reports about the altercation. Henderson said that an official from the Greater New Orleans Officials Association, who was working the game, was hit during the melee, necessitating the sportsmanship hearing. (Nola.com -- Sports)
Sociology organization examines education Nov 6, 2009
In the last four years they have continued to create more charter schools in Orleans Parish, and these are the schools LUSSO is focusing on. LUSSO has been reviewing the effectiveness of charter schools by interviewing teachers to see what changes need to be made. (The Maroon, LA)
Real funding for virtual schools? Nov 6, 2009
Representatives of five would-be virtual charter schools will file into the administrative towers of the Georgia Department of Education today to pitch their brand of public education, which lets students study at home computers in their pajamas ... Tuesday, the state Board of Education stifled the plans of the state s only existing virtual charter school, which asked for the opportunity to compete for full funding from the Georgia Charter Schools Commission ... But their first appearance before... (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Metro)
A virtual student’s reality Nov 6, 2009
Virtual charter schools are convenient for children who want to race through the curriculum, move at a slower pace or fit academic schedules around acting lessons or Olympic aspirations. Teachers stream live lessons to their kitchen tables. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Metro)
Wheeler High's science guy Nov 6, 2009
I m all for magnet and charter schools, as this is what it takes to get success in a public school. However, I ve noticed very little support for these types of schools among the regular public school educators on this blog. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Metro)
Obama Coaxes States with School Dollars Nov 5, 2009
Obama sees the test score data and charter schools, which are publicly funded but independent of local school boards, as solutions to the problems that plague public education ... They say student achievement is much more than a score on a standardized test and that it's a mistake to rely so heavily on charter schools. (CBS News -- Politics)
Energized, the mayor wants to take more risks Nov 5, 2009
Although he insisted that the schools are not as bad as some suggested during the campaign, he said he would make education a priority and had been talking to mayors and teachers union officials about supporting state legislation he filed that would allow the city to bypass union approval and transform low-performing schools into in-district charter schools controlled by the School Committee. I m going to do everything I can, he vowed. (Boston Globe)
More public input for school systems opting out of state mandates Nov 5, 2009
The law provides for a number of penalties if they don't, including the possibility of each system's schools being put under private management, converted into charter schools or turned over to a nearby system. IE2 rules initially required only one public hearing if a system proposed to pursue IE2. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Metro)
Groups want special session to cancel Furlough Fridays Nov 5, 2009
Charter schools are not having Furlough Fridays ... Charter schools are not having Furlough Fridays. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Race to the Top Nov 4, 2009
Loosening legal caps on the number of charter schools that states allow each year ... But the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools says 10 states already have moved to raise or get rid of caps on publicly funded but privately run charter schools. (USA Today)
Gates Foundation on right track with school funding stipulations Nov 4, 2009
States that accept the foundation s help must agree to advance the foundation s goals, which include linking teacher pay increases to student performance, allowing charter schools to operate largely independent of local school boards and adopting national academic standards ... Making room for charter schools within the public school system and overhauling the way teachers are paid are particularly promising goals ... Charter schools may be viewed as laboratories for creative new approaches to... (Longview Daily News, WA)
