On average, the funding gap between charter schools and traditional schools is 22 percent, or $1,800 per pupil. The average charter school ends up with a total funding shortfall of nearly half a million dollars.
Source: Charter School Funding: Inequity’s Next Frontier
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Rush to Judgment: Teacher Evaluation in Public Education
In this report, the authors examine the causes and consequences of the crisis in teacher evaluation, as well as its implications for the current debate about performance pay for teachers. The report examines a number of strong evaluation systems - including those of charter schools – highlighting exemplary systems that can serve as models for other schools and systems. For example, Williamsburg Collegiate, a Brooklyn, N.Y., charter school, uses a two-leader model that allows one school director to evaluate and coach teachers regularly as the school's instructional leader, while a second director manages the school's non-academic operations. To compliment the instructional leader's evaluations, Collegiate brings in outside observers to observe every teacher as they conduct a daylong annual visit of the school.
The Denver New Schools Initiative
Denver Public Schools has released a new request for proposals (RFP) for new schools, inviting proposals for both charter schools and non-charter schools as part of the Denver New Schools Initiative. Although the district has 19 charter schools operating in the city in 2007-08, this is the first time it has issued an RFP for charters. While the RFP is an "open call" for all types of new schools, the district is designating two areas of urgent priority: improving and expanding the educational offerings to middle years (grades 6 to 8) students and providing a diversified array of educational services and programs to meet the needs of secondary students identified as being "at-risk" of dropping out of school. All applicants should submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) by April 18, 2008 for the "early stage" or June 27, 2008, for the regular cycle. A copy of the RFP package can be found online.
Shattering the Myth: An Analysis of the Impact of Charter and Voucher Students on School Finances in Ohio's Big Eight Urban School Districts
This study examines data from 1995-2007 seeking to determine the fiscal impact on total district spending and per-pupil spending in Ohio's eight urban school districts since choice was authorized in 1995. It also examines the potential financial impact on the districts if the choice programs were eliminated. The document finds that traditional school enrollment in the eight urban districts declined by 25.8 percent between 1995 and 2007, with some of the migration due to choice programs. During the same period: total spending rose an average of 41.4 percent; per-pupil spending rose an average of 90.9 percent; and per-pupil spending adjusted for inflation rose an average of 58.4 percent. When a student leaves a traditional school for a public charter school or voucher program in Ohio, the traditional system loses all of the cost of educating that student but only some of the funding, as only the state funds follow the child. If the choice programs came to an end, the study projects that the school districts would experience an annual shortfall statewide of $386 million.
Familiarity Breeds Content: As the Charter Movement Grows, So Does Public Approval
Analyzing 28 national and state-level polls conducted on charter schools over the past nine years, this issue brief finds support for charter schools grows as citizens become more familiar with them. A consistent finding across the polls showed a persistently large, yet decreasing, percentage of the public was uninformed about charter schools, or had misconceptions. However, when they were provided a simple definition of charter schools, the polls found significant increase in charter school support.
The Renaissance Schools Fund Symposium, May 6
The Renaissance Schools Fund (RSF) invites education leaders from across the country to it's first symposium, "Free to Choose Free to Succeed: The New Market of Public Education." RSF is a strategic partner to Chicago Public Schools' Renaissance 2010, an initiative to create 100 new schools of exceptional quality in Chicago’s most underserved communities. Guests will learn how the city's business, civic and local communities have come together with the district to drive education reform through new school development. National experts and local leaders will present on topics such as; The Role of the Private Sector in the New Market of Education, Replicating District Success and Going to Scale: Strategically Growing High Performing Networks. The event will be held on Tuesday, May 6th, 2008 at the Mid America Club in Chicago, IL.
Register soon because space is limited. Registration and additional information is available at the conference website.
Public Charter Schools Legislative and Advocacy Portal
The National Alliance's Legislative and Advocacy Portal enables users to connect with and contact their elected local, state, and federal officials to voice their opinions on key public charter school issues. Public charter school legislation and actions pending in the state legislatures are also described.
The PA Coalition of Charter Schools Conference, April 27-29
The PA Coalition of Charter Schools 2008 Conference, "Quality Charter Education for PA Families & Children," will convene on April 27 – April 29 at the Pittsburgh Marriott City Center, in Pittsburgh, PA. Conference registration will open in January; on-line vendor/exhibitor registration is available now. Additional information available online, via email (conference@pachartercoalition.com) or by telephone (724-934-8831).
2008 Presidential Candidates Education Proposals
Wisconsin Charter School Conference, April 21-22
The 2008 Wisconsin Charter Schools Conference, co-sponsored by the Wisconsin Charter Schools Association and the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction will take place at the Madison Concourse Hotel in Madison from April 21-22, 2008. Registration, sponsorship and exhibit information will be available soon at the conference website.
National Charter Schools Conference, June 22-25
The National Alliance for Public Charter Schools will host the 2008 National Charter Schools Conference from June 22-25 in New Orleans, LA. "Still We Rise: Achieving Academic Excellence at Scale" is the conference theme, reflecting the growth of quality public charter schools across America. The theme has special resonance in New Orleans, which boasts the nation's largest percentage of public charter school enrollment. Register for the conference or apply to sponsor/exhibit at http://www.nationalcharterconference.org. The conference is the largest gathering of charter school operators and proponents in the nation. Geoffrey Canada, President and Chief Executive Officer for the Harlem Children's Zone, will offer the keynote speech. Attendees will learn and share best practices, discuss national and state policy issues, have the opportunity to volunteer at local charter schools, and enjoy special events featuring New Orleans traditions, food and music! Questions? Call 206-463-3344 or e-mail nationalconference@publiccharters.org. Register before April 27 to get the lowest conference rates.
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