Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools’ Post

Closing out 2023 by sharing a lengthy review essay on an important book about justice and democracy I published in Boston Review this month. Danielle Allen argues that the path to justice necessarily runs through democracy, and that you can’t properly grasp what democracy is and could be without going “out there” and practicing it. I’m on board with both those claims. To that end, I’m extremely proud in 2023 of the work done by the City Charter Review Commission, established by Richmond City Council, looking at the city’s charter and overall governance structure. (I served as the commission’s chair.) Some “first round” amendments based primarily on work done by the commission are going to the General Assembly next month with unanimous support from Council as well as the Mayor. I am hopeful that additional substantive discussion of the major issues raised by the commission’s report will continue in 2024 and beyond. I’m also very proud of the work done earlier in 2023 of the Task Force on the Status of Latino and English Learner students in Richmond Public Schools, on which I served as a co-chair in partnership with the School Board and the Richmond Region chapter of the League of United Latin American Citizens. The board adopted the Task Force’s primary recommendation to create a new department focused on the unique and complex needs of English Learners, and it is being implemented this year. Much work lies ahead in this area. I also appreciated the opportunity this year to continue service on the boards of the Richmond Public Schools Education Foundation, the Richmond & Henrico Public Health Foundation, and the Richmond Peace Education Center. Outside of Richmond, I continue to serve on the board of the Democracy Collaborative which is a leading organization in promoting community wealth building efforts in the U.S. and Europe. In terms of scholarship, my long-in-progress book on contemporary Richmond, co-authored with Julian Hayter and Amy Howard, will be out from the University of North Carolina Press in late 2024. The manuscript was completed and formally accepted this year. I also have an article on leadership and decision making coming out in January in the Interdisciplinary Journal of Leadership Studies. I also continue to teach community-based learning classes at UR, including a year-long partnership involving students in “Justice and Civil Society” with the 5th graders at Overby-Sheppard Elementary School in Richmond’s Northside. Students more than ever are saying these kinds of classes are essential and formative to their education and I hope the university escalates its support in the years to come. Even more important to me is that Overby-Sheppard staff say this has been a positive, helpful collaboration in support of student learning. More could be said, but the main thing is I am grateful for the chance to work with some amazing people inside and outside the university. Best to all for a productive 2024!

Recent data from the 2023-24 New York State Education Department (NYSED) show charter school enrollment in the city has grown by 4.1% over the past academic year. Some additional data points we thought were notable and worth sharing: - Charter school kindergarten enrollment has seen a particularly notable increase, rising by 5.4% between the 2022-23 and 2023-24 school years - Hispanic student enrollment in NYC charter schools increased by 7.0% between the 2022-23 and 2023-24 school years - More than one out of every three Black kindergarten students, or 36.8%, now attends a New York City charter school - English language learners comprise 10.1% of all charter school students, while students with disabilities make up nearly 19% https://lnkd.in/efXCtWr9

Charter schools Charter schools have emerged as a significant component of the educational landscape, offering an alternative to traditional public schools. These schools operate with greater autonomy in exchange for increased accountability, aiming to foster innovation and address the diverse needs of students. Charter schools are publicly funded schools that operate independently of local school districts, governed by a charter or contract. This charter outlines the school's mission, academic goals, methods of assessment, and accountability measures. Charter schools have the flexibility to design their curriculum, staffing, and educational approach, allowing for experimentation and customization. Charter schools have the freedom to adopt innovative teaching methods, curricula, and educational philosophies tailored to the needs of their students. Charter schools provide parents with alternatives to traditional public schools, allowing them to select an educational environment that aligns with their child's learning style and values. Some charter schools specifically target underserved communities or students at risk of academic failure, providing them with additional support and resources to improve educational outcomes. While charter schools have autonomy, this can lead to inconsistencies in quality and accountability, with some schools failing to meet academic standards or mismanaging funds. Critics claim that charter schools engage in selective enrollment practices, leading to concerns about equity and accessibility for students with disabilities or English language learners. Charter schools represent a dynamic and evolving aspect of the educational landscape, offering both opportunities and challenges. While they have the potential to foster innovation, address achievement gaps, and provide parental choice, they also face criticisms regarding equity, oversight, and accountability. #charterschools #innovativelearning #moderneducation #talentserve

The U.S. Department of Education today announced new awards totaling nearly $115 million to support 29 Teacher and School Leader (TSL) Incentive projects, bolstering the Department's commitment to ensuring a well-prepared, diverse, and sustainable educator workforce. Through Raise the Bar: Lead the World, the Department is supporting states and school districts to eliminate educator shortages in our nation’s schools. The TSL grants help districts to address educator shortages by supporting career advancement and teacher leadership opportunities, increasing compensation, and improving educator retention. "All students benefit from a diverse and well-supported educator workforce that can prepare them to lead. While all students benefit from diverse teachers, when students of color see their backgrounds and experiences reflected in their teachers, we see higher levels of academic achievement and student engagement in school, and more students aspiring to be teachers themselves one day. That's why attracting, retaining, and supporting a diverse educator workforce is a top priority in our efforts to Raise the Bar for learning conditions in our schools," said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. "This nearly $115 million investment will help states and school districts recruit and retain new talent, increase compensation, and address educator shortages that we know disproportionately impact students from our communities of color, students from low-income backgrounds, students with disabilities and English learners." The FY 2023 TSL grant competition prioritized activities that advance the Department's goal of promoting educator diversity and career advancement opportunities for teachers that improve teacher retention. The funding comes at a critical point for school districts as they face significant hurdles in attracting and retaining the qualified educators and other school staff they need to best support students. These staffing challenges disproportionately impact Black and Latino students, students from low-income backgrounds, students with disabilities, and English learners. The announcement of the awards also comes as the Department hosts the inaugural Conference on Equity in Opportunity and Teach to Lead in Denver, Colorado, where researchers, practitioners, and policy leaders will come together to discuss priorities for a diverse educator workforce, identify hurdles to building a diverse workforce, disseminate and amplify effective practices, and share information about grant funding to increase equity and access to funding opportunities.

Every responsible citizen must be concerned with the state of education in the United States. Not only on our university campuses but even the state of primary schools is so concerning that our local federation hosted a webinar addressing “Antisemitism and Curriculum Concerns in K-12 Educational Settings.” When webinars are being held about antisemitism in Kindergarten, it’s time to rethink our strategy. Perhaps our system is too focused on what not to teach instead of considering the true purpose of education. Rather than approaching education as a holistic system meant to provide children with a sense of purpose, identity, morality, and tools for self-sufficiency, the focus has been on ensuring children are not taught about a creator, not given a moral compass or sense of objective truth, and provided no sense of identity. Essentially we are teaching children how to make a living, without providing guidance on how to live. Thus the system is broken. The solution begins when we “start with why”. By supporting our youth in connecting with their inner purpose, personal mission and moral compass. Creative solutions like the regents’ prayer, release time, moment of silence, and school vouchers can be used to honor our constitution while creating a respectful and diverse society which nurtures the notion of higher purpose and foundational compasses. When President Carter established the Department of Education, the Rebbe wrote the following in letters to the President and Vice President. “Education, in general, should not be limited to the acquisition of knowledge and preparation for a career, or in common parlance, ‘to make a better living!’ We must think in terms of a ‘better life,’ not only for the individual, but also for society as a whole. The educational system must, therefore, pay more attention, indeed, the main attention, to the building of character, with emphasis on moral and ethical values.” The Declaration of Independence states: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.” We need to nurture these “self-evident” truths. We can do that by reframing the purpose of education from simply “making a better living” to ensuring it is about making a “better life” for society as a whole. If we did that, we would likely not need to deal with antisemitism in Kindergarten. The Times of Israel Ann Cudd Portland Public Schools https://lnkd.in/gYpMsdGS

School leaders, are you looking for ways to enhance teaching and learning in the upcoming academic year? Look no further than community resources! Check out these ideas on how to use community resources to improve education: [Link to the blog post] From local museums to community organizations, there are numerous resources available that can help enrich your curriculum and provide hands-on learning experiences. Incorporating community resources can also help students connect with their community and foster a sense of civic engagement. Take advantage of these resources and elevate your students' learning experiences. Follow the link above for more information.

Embracing Diversity and Inclusion: The Episcopal School Perspective Imana Sherrill| May 1, 2024 At the heart of the Episcopal approach to education is a commitment to teaching history accurately and creating a sense of belonging for all students. This means acknowledging and learning from the past, even when it is uncomfortable, and actively working to create a more inclusive future. By embracing DEI principles, Episcopal schools strive to create learning environments where every student feels valued and supported. https://lnkd.in/eKetzuT2

Title: Exploring the Impact of Charter Schools on Education: A Comprehensive Overview Charter schools have become a prominent feature of the educational landscape, offering an alternative to traditional public schools. These independently operated institutions, often granted greater autonomy in exchange for increased accountability, have sparked debates about their efficacy, impact, and role in the education system. Understanding Charter Schools Charter schools are publicly funded institutions that operate independently of local school districts. They are granted charters or contracts by state or local authorities, outlining their mission, goals, academic programs, and accountability measures. Key Characteristics One of the defining features of charter schools is their emphasis on choice and flexibility. Families can choose to enroll their children in charter schools based on factors such as academic focus, teaching philosophy, or specialized programs. Benefits of Charter Schools Proponents of charter schools cite several potential benefits, including: 1. Innovation: Charter schools have the freedom to experiment with new instructional methods, curriculum designs, and organizational structures, fostering innovation in education. 2. Customization: Charter schools can tailor their educational programs to meet the specific needs and interests of their students, offering specialized programs in areas such as STEM education, performing arts, or language immersion. 3. Parental Involvement: Charter schools often encourage greater parental involvement and engagement in their children's education, fostering a collaborative partnership between educators, parents, and students. Challenges and Controversies Despite their potential benefits, charter schools also face several challenges and controversies, including: 1. Equity Concerns: Critics argue that charter schools exacerbate educational inequities by diverting resources away from traditional public schools, particularly in underserved communities. 2. Accountability Issues: While charter schools are held accountable for meeting academic and financial performance standards outlined in their charters, enforcement mechanisms vary across jurisdictions, leading to concerns about transparency and oversight. 3. Selective Enrollment: Some charter schools have been criticized for practices that result in the exclusion of certain student populations, such as students with disabilities or English language learners, potentially exacerbating segregation and inequality. Conclusion Charter schools represent a dynamic and evolving aspect of the educational landscape, offering both opportunities and challenges. While they provide an alternative to traditional public schools and promote innovation and choice, their impact on educational equity, accountability, and the public education system as a whole remains subject to ongoing debate and scrutiny. #talentserve #task81

Title: The Case for Specialized Elementary Schools in Brighton Beach and Coney Island As the education landscape continues to evolve, it is essential to recognize the unique needs of students in every community. In Brighton Beach and Coney Island, there is a growing demand for specialized elementary schools that cater to the diverse interests and talents of young learners. Specialized elementary schools offer focused learning experiences that can nurture a child's individual strengths and interests. By providing a tailored curriculum, these schools can better engage students and support their academic growth, ultimately preparing them for future success. In Brighton Beach and Coney Island, where students come from various cultural backgrounds and face different challenges, specialized elementary schools can provide targeted support and resources to address specific needs. For example, a school with a focus on language immersion could benefit students who are bilingual or come from immigrant families, helping them maintain and develop their language skills. Moreover, specialized schools can offer unique opportunities for students to explore their passions and talents, whether in the arts, sciences, technology, or other fields. By exposing children to a variety of experiences early on, these schools can inspire a lifelong love of learning and encourage creativity and innovation. Critics may argue that specialized schools can lead to segregation or inequality. However, it is crucial to ensure that these schools are accessible to all students and promote diversity and inclusion. By implementing equitable admissions criteria and providing support for students from underserved communities, specialized schools can create a more inclusive learning environment for all. In conclusion, the establishment of specialized elementary schools in Brighton Beach and Coney Island can offer tremendous benefits to the local community. By embracing the unique needs and talents of students, these schools can provide a high-quality education that prepares children for the challenges of tomorrow. It is time to invest in specialized education to unlock the full potential of our young learners and build a brighter future for all. By considering this perspective, we can work towards creating a more diverse, engaging, and inclusive educational system that meets the needs of every child in Brighton Beach and Coney Island. Thank you Scott Krivitsky