2010 National Charter Schools Conference - Recap
A record 4,500 charter school teachers, principals, administrators and others from around the country met in Chicago for the 10th annual National Charter Schools Conference. The theme of the 2010 Conference, "Innovators in Education: Leading the Race to the Top," was embedded into every moment of the three-day gathering.
Scroll down to watch speeches from each day. We've also provided the transcripts of our keynote speeches. E-mail info@publiccharters.org to request physical CD copies of the footage.
Day One: Tuesday, June 29, 2010
At the opening general session, Bill Gates of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation kicked off the conference with a stirring speech proclaiming his support for high-quality public charter schools. Nelson Smith of the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools delivered a compelling 'State of the Movement' address. Juan Rangel graciously served as the day's emcee. Deborah McGriff, Tim King and Andrew Broy all made remarks during the general session. The session concluded with an outstanding performance by Creed from the Urban Prep Charter School in Chicago.
Transcripts of Tuesday's keynote addresses:
Bill Gates of the Bill & Melinda Gates FoundationNelson Smith, National Alliance for Public Charter Schools
Day Two: Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Caprice Young of KC Distance Learning introduced Netflix Founder Reed Hastings who delivered the session's keynote address. The Alliance welcomed the following distinguished inductees into the National Charter Schools Hall of Fame which was established to recognize individuals and organization for their contributions to the charter school sector: Norman Atkins, Founder and Board Chair of Uncommon Schools; James N. Goenner of the Center for Charter Schools at Central Michigan University, and Dr. John King from the New York State Education Department. Ref Rodriguez served as the session's emcee; Phyllis Lockett and Ron Huberman delivered welcoming remarks. The session concluded with an outstanding student performance by the Pritzker College Prep charter school in Chicago.
Transcript of Wednesday's keynote address:
Reed Hastings, Founder, Chairman and CEO, Netflix
Day Three: Thursday, July 1, 2010
U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan delivered the keynote address via a live video teleconference. He also fielded a few questions from attendees in the audience. Joe Scarborough of MSNBC's "Morning Joe" program hosted a panel titled "Charters and Districts -- How Can We Get Along?" to garner a constructive dialogue between both types of public schools. Dr. Tom Boasberg of the Denver Public Schools and Dr. Michael M. Sharpe of the Jumoke Academy charter school served as panelists. A surprise tribute ensued for Nelson Smith who announced in February his plans to step down as the Alliance's president and CEO. The Alliance officially announces that effective, July 1, Peter C. Groff is the organization's new president. The session included an outstanding student performance by the Azania Drum and Donia Dance Ensemble from the Betty Shabazz International Charter School Pritzker in Chicago.
Transcript of Thursday's keynote address: