We had a great time celebrating our nation’s charter public schools this week. It was exciting to see so much activity across the country during National Charter Schools Week.
The week kicked off with President Obama’s official proclamation declaring May 1-7 National Charter Schools Week. The president said, “We celebrate the role of high-quality public charter schools in helping to ensure students are prepared and able to seize their piece of the American dream.” The U.S. Senate also passed a resolution honoring the week. Twenty-eight senators co-sponsored the resolution, the largest number of co-sponsors of this resolution to date. Here’s a glimpse into more highlights from the week: Demanding a Chance More than ever before, parents across the nation want to be able to choose the best public school for their child. The National Alliance released the results from a parent survey that reinforces the demand for more high-quality charter schools. 10 Champions for Charter Schools The National Alliance honored ten elected officials for their work to advance the charter school movement. Meet them here. Ohio State Auditor Dave Yost accepts his Charter Champion award from National Alliance President & CEO Nina Rees. #ParentsSay Along with Education Post, the National Alliance hosted a Twitter Q&A to discuss parent demand for charter schools. The chat featured Congressman Jared Polis from Colorado, Nina Rees, and Sharif El-Mekki, principal of Mastery Charter School’s Shoemaker Campus. We had nearly 300 participants and the discussion resulted in 2.4 million impressions. School Visits Several members of Congress visited charter schools in their state, including Rep. Buddy Carter (R-GA) and Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-CA):
(From left) Rep. Carter visited Tybee Island Maritime Academy in Georgia and Rep. Lofgren visited KIPP San Jose Collegiate. Events from Around the Country The charter school community hosted lots of events throughout the country. Here are just a few:
The Arizona Charter Schools Association visited 11 charter schools during National Charter Schools Week to showcase each school’s accomplishments.
The California Charter Schools Association (CCSA) hosted Advocacy Day when California’s charter school community joins forces to rally behind urgent legislative opportunities and demonstrate their collective strength and diversity to elected leaders.
The Florida Charter School Alliance held a #FloridaHonorRoll event at Cornerstone Charter Academy in Orlando, FL. The event recognized top performing schools and their principals.
The Georgia Charter Schools Association organized a charter schools bus tour in Atlanta. GCSA also hosted a panel discussing innovations in public education and a screening of Most Likely to Succeed.
More than 400 Ohio families and students gathered on the West Plaza of the Ohio Statehouse to celebrate achievements of charter schools and students across the state. The families were joined by featured speakers Ohio Senate President Keith Faber, State Senator Peggy Lehner and State Representative Andrew Brenner. The rally was organized by Ohio Alliance for Public Charter Schools.
Top News Coverage Charter schools were in the spotlight this week. Here are some of our favorite news articles: The Education Post
Why You Should Care About a Charter School Cap in Massachusetts
It’s Time to Give Charter Schools Equitable Funding
To Our Progressive Friends: There Are Communities of Color That Want Public Charter Schools
Fordham Institute
Paying Homage to Charter Schools’ Early Trailblazers
I strongly support charter schools. That’s why I’m so tough on them.
What reformers can do to expand charters and choice besides advocating for policy change
The 74
Big IDEAS: High-Achieving South Texas Charter Network Reveals National Expansion Plan
6 Innovative School Leaders Who Are Disrupting Traditional Education
Favoring Charter Schools Moves from Concept to Reality for More Parents, New Survey Shows
Opportunity Lives
Charter Schools are a Boon for Students
What Boston Says About the Importance of Charter Schools
The Parents and Students Who Represent the Charter School Debate
U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Charter Schools Are a Bright Spot in Public Education
Thanks to everyone who participated in National Charter Schools Week!
