Asserting charter schools have become an “industry and in many cases rapid expansion has replaced innovation and excellence as goals,” a report from the Annenberg Institute for School Reform at Brown University has issued a set of standards to promote oversight of the management companies that have become a controversial topic in Connecticut and locally in Bridgeport including the termination of a charter firm that had taken over Dunbar School. See public accountability report here.
Sheila Cohen, president of the Connecticut Education Association that represents public school teachers, calls the report a must-read for state legislators who seek transparency in charter schools that run independently of traditional public schools.
“With the rapid growth of charter schools, it’s time to update state charter laws, regulations and oversight,” Cohen says in a statement. “The Annenberg report underscores a range of critical issues–from the flow of funding and cumulative impact of charter schools on traditional school districts to the need for all teachers to be licensed and credentialed.”
Cohen urged Connecticut lawmakers to consider the report’s legislative recommendations when the General Assembly convenes in January, adding that Annenberg’s legislative recommendations offer innovative solutions that would better ensure quality, accessibility, transparency, and accountability of public dollars.
The report declares in its finding, “If charter schools are to contribute to our public education system, they must represent a cross-section of students and families in the district that they serve. Any practices that serve to weed out certain children or families–whether intentionally or unintentionally–must be eliminated.”
It took me approximately 20-25 minutes to read this report. I know 25 minutes can be very valuable in many of our busy lives, however this report on charter schools is an absolute must-read.
Although it does highlight many of the questionable and unethical practices of charter schools and their management organizations, it only skims the surface regarding the pure corruption prevalent within charter schools, their leadership and their management.
The FBI is conducting investigations into a multitude of charter school operators nationally.
The vast majority of charter schools and management companies could care less about the well-being and academic success of minority students. Charter schools represent access to millions of taxpayer funds to further line the pockets of the wealthy.
I do urge as many of you as possible to invest 20-25 minutes of your valuable time to read this report.
The OIB naming of this entry may be misleading slightly. Reading the article carefully and reflecting on the multiple recommendations will be helpful for those attempting to understand the public dialogues (that sometimes appear warlike).
The final sentence in the last paragraph on page 3 of the report says it best to my mind, “We believe that strong standards, oversight, and transparency will benefit both charter schools and traditional schools and help rebuild public trust in our nation’s public education system.” Open? Accountable? Transparent? Where have we encountered that before? Time will tell.
This just in. Fascinating research on follow the money for BOE–city issues–does it ever end?
www .ctpost.com/news/article/Bagley-Spin-on-Bassick-roof-doesn-t-meet-facts-5765197.php
1) Interesting read about the inner workings. However, I read although not in charge, there were items the BOE still had to approve and had not done so, despite repeated attempts to do so.
2) If Bagley wrote this letter himself, I would be shocked. No way he wrote this without some background assistance.
Lifelong Bpt, let’s say John Bagley had assistance writing this letter, why would it be an issue? Do you think Governor Malloy, Mayor Finch, Commissioner Pryor, etc. write their own press releases? I hope you are aware all three of these individuals utilize our taxpayer dollars to pay for high-priced public relations representatives/teams.
Having others review a piece written for publication is usually most helpful in editing for a clear, concise message.
Another must-read from Sarah Littman with CT News Junkie. The quote she referenced from Kenneth Moales is absolutely priceless.
www .ctnewsjunkie.com/archives/entry/op-ed_dont_let_foundation_money_be_a_trojan_horse/
Another excellent article on the billionaires behind the education “deform” movement and where it is headed next.
www .salon.com/2014/09/19/ego_money_and_false_promises_michelle_rhees_big_secret_and_the_collapse_of_education_reform/