The growth represents the largest increase in enrollment over a single year since charter schools were founded nearly two decades ago. In all, more than 500 new charter schools were opened in the 2011-12 school [...]]]> MIAMI — The number of students attending charter schools has soared to more than 2 million as states pass laws lifting caps and encouraging their expansion, according to figures released Wednesday.

The growth represents the largest increase in enrollment over a single year since charter schools were founded nearly two decades ago. In all, more than 500 new charter schools were opened in the 2011-12 school year. And about 200,000 more students are enrolled now than a year before, an increase of 13 percent nationwide. Read more here…

Key Recommendations:

1.  Eliminate charter caps, but set a high bar for new charter approvals 2.  Encourage closure or restructuring of low-performing schools, including through charter authorizer accountability 3.  Fund charter schools equitably for operations and facilities, and allocate public funding to incubation 4. Provide charter schools substantial operational autonomy in areas such as staffing, curriculum, budgets, and scheduling 5. Streamline approval and [...]]]> This Fordham brief explores the charter incubator idea…

Key Recommendations:

1.  Eliminate charter caps, but set a high bar for new charter approvals
2.  Encourage closure or restructuring of low-performing schools, including
through charter authorizer accountability
3.  Fund charter schools equitably for operations and facilities, and
allocate public funding to incubation
4. Provide charter schools substantial operational autonomy in areas such as
staffing, curriculum, budgets, and scheduling
5. Streamline approval and governance policies for charter models once they
prove successful

The appendix includes profiles of select established and emerging
incubators.

The grants totaling $40 million are expected to be awarded to 10 school districts that have signed foundation-backed agreements to promote cooperation between charter schools and traditional public schools. Chicago signed its agreement, known as [...]]]> Chicago is one of 14 cities that will be eligible for millions of dollars in competitive grant funding announced today by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

The grants totaling $40 million are expected to be awarded to 10 school districts that have signed foundation-backed agreements to promote cooperation between charter schools and traditional public schools. Chicago signed its agreement, known as a District-Charter Collaboration Compact, Tuesday.

Chicago Public Schools chief executive Jean-Claude Brizard said “the compact reflects our mission” of giving all students access to a high-quality school in every neighborhood.

Under the compact, Brizard said the district will develop a common application process and a single assessment system for all schools, including charters. It will also provide charter schools, which are public schools run by private groups, with the same student-level funding as traditional schools and better access to facilities. Mayor Rahm Emanuel has made a concerted effort to increase the private sector’s role in improving failing public schools.

It is not yet clear what impact the deals have had in cities that signed on when they were introduced in December 2010.

Full article can be viewed here: http://www.chicagonewscoop.org/cps-to-sign-gates-foundation-charter-deal/

That’s changed now.

The Eagles are 4-0 and winning by an average of 53 points per game. At least four of them will play Division I college basketball at a high level, and Monday, Kennedy Charter [...]]]>

Kennedy Charter School has been playing basketball for a few years now, but the team has never been a factor or anywhere close to one of the state’s elite teams .

That’s changed now.

The Eagles are 4-0 and winning by an average of 53 points per game. At least four of them will play Division I college basketball at a high level, and Monday, Kennedy Charter will get even better when former Olympic star B.J. Gladden enrolls in the public charter school. Read more: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2011/12/04/2824467/kennedy-charter-school-climbing.html#ixzz1faJuWPAb

Kenan Fellows Application Period Opens for 2013 Class

     The Kenan Fellows Program will accept applications for fellowships December 1, 2011 through January 23, 2012. Classroom teachers selected as Kenan Fellows represent the most outstanding and committed educators across North Carolina. As Fellows, they engage in partnerships with distinguished scientists, university faculty and professional educators to develop innovative curricula for use [...]]]> Thanks to the:   Friday Report www.fridayreport@ncforum.org

Kenan Fellows Application Period Opens for 2013 Class

     The Kenan Fellows Program will accept applications for fellowships December 1, 2011 through January 23, 2012. Classroom teachers selected as Kenan Fellows represent the most outstanding and committed educators across North Carolina. As Fellows, they engage in partnerships with distinguished scientists, university faculty and professional educators to develop innovative curricula for use in classrooms throughout our state. 

     K-12 public school teachers from all disciplines are encouraged to apply. School administrators, community leaders, parents of students and former Kenan Fellows may nominate candidates, although a nomination is not required in order to apply. Applications and nomination links are currently available. Public school teachers from all school districts in North Carolina are eligible to apply. For more information about the program, visit the Kenan Fellows Program website: www.kenanfellows.org.