Media Round Up

• “New Poll: Moms Prefer More School Choice,” NAPCS national waitlist data cited, East Oregonian, May 24
• “New Jersey bill would convert public schools into charters with vote,” NAPCS Model Law cited, Newsworks New Jersey, May 23, 2013

News to Know

• “32 New Michigan Charter Schools Set to Open in Fall 2013,” Michigan Radio, May 24
• “High-Quality Charter Authorizing Ensures High-Quality Charter Schools,” Education Next, May 23
• “Study: Boston Charters Outperform Traditional Schools on Key Tests,” Boston Globe, May 22
• “Charter Schools Rank High on New List of Best Schools in Central Texas,” Culture Map Austin, May 21
• “Op-ed: What Michigan's Charter Schools Can Teach the Country,” Wall Street Journal op-ed, May 20

Audience Favorites

Facebook— A handful of public charter schools in the L.A. Unified school district are using arts to inspire students to stay in school. Gabriella Charter School incorporates nearly 5 hours of dance per week into the regular school day for first through eighth graders. “One benefit of Gabriella's dance-based program,” said Principal Lisa Rooney, “is that it gives kinetic learners a chance to experience success – often for the first time.” http://www.scpr.org/blogs/education/2013/05/24/13763/unusual-charters-use-dance-string-instruments-to-m/?slide=2

Twitter—@charteralliance: Thousands from @MasteryCharter gathered for #CollegeSigningDay to celebrate 450 seniors headed to college bit.ly/YWLERh

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NAPCS Monthly Newsletter

Dear Friends,

On the heels of National Charter Schools Week and the 30th anniversary of the publication of the landmark report, A Nation at Risk, we extend our thanks to advocates across the nation who have mobilized in support of high-quality public charter schools. And we are even more excited to see so many of you in person in our nation’s capital on June 30th-July 3rd during our largest gathering of the year, the National Charter Schools Conference.

I’m also glad to report that states have been continuing to take action to strengthen their public charter school sectors. Strong bipartisan support in Mississippi to dramatically strengthen the state’s charter school law was matched by impressive action on the part of parents, advocates and elected leaders in Massachusetts and Texas, working to lift unreasonable caps on charter schools (read my recent op-ed on Massachusetts).

To stay updated on these and other advocacy efforts follow me on Twitter, @Ninacharters, and through our website.
   
Best regards,

Nina Rees
President and CEO
@Ninacharters

Conference Update – 2013 Charter Schools Hall of Fame
Each year the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools inducts a special group of individuals and organizations into the National Charter Schools Hall of Fame. The honor goes to individuals and organizations that have: pioneered efforts to develop and grow charter schools; committed to and contributed to charter schools and education; proposed and implemented innovative ideas; and, inspired others in the charter school movement.

We are excited to announce the 2013 inductees to the National Charter Schools Hall of Fame: the Walton Family Foundation; Lisa Graham Keegan, CEO of the Education Breakthrough Network and former Superintendent of Public Instruction from Arizona; and Linda Moore, founder of the Elsie Whitlow Stokes Community Freedom Public Charter School in Washington D.C.

The 2013 inductees will be officially honored on July 1, 2013 at the National Charter Schools Conference. The conference is filling up – so make sure to register by June 7th, the last day to receive regular registration rates, and stay tuned to #NCSC13 for all the latest conference updates!

Public Charter Schools Rank Among Top Public High Schools in the Nation
The rankings are in! Every year, U.S. News & World Report, The Washington Post and Newsweek rank public high schools across the nation.

Newsweek recently came out with their Transformative High Schools list, which takes students’ socioeconomic status into account by looking at schools that serve a high percentage of students who receive free- or reduced-price lunches. Sixteen public charter schools were on the list, comprising 64 percent of the nation’s top 25 “Transformative” schools – despite public charter schools making up only six percent of public schools nationwide. Also, no surprise, all top five schools were public charter schools!

Also, according to U.S. News & World Report, 28 public charter schools were in the top 100 – and three were in the top 10. The Washington Post’s “Most Challenging High Schools” list also put 28 public charter schools in their top 100 – and four in their top 10. In Newsweek’s “America’s Best High Schools” list, 13 public charter schools were in the top 100, with two BASIS charter schools reaching the top 10. According to The Atlantic, BASIS students were found to be several years ahead of their classmates when it came to proficiency in basic subjects. As I stated in this article, "[this] is a sign that there is something in their formula that needs to be replicated as quickly as possible because it seems to be producing great results."

Reflecting Back – National Charter Schools Week 2013
During this year’s National Charter Schools Week, Americans heard from parents, officials and public charter school advocates.

President Obama issued a Presidential Proclamation recognizing National Charter Schools Week 2013. U.S. Senators Lamar Alexander (R-TN) and Mary Landrieu (D-LA) expressed strong support for public charter schools, marking the official start of what was the 14th annual week of recognition. Congressman Jared Polis (D-CO) editorialized in The Hill about the need for all parents and families to have the option to enroll their children in high-quality public charter schools.

We had the privilege of recognizing this year’s Charter Champions that week: Senator Richard Durbin (D-IL), Congressman John Kline (R-MN), Mississippi Lieutenant Governor Tate Reeves, State Senator Gray Tollison (MS) and Mayor Karl Dean (Nashville, TN) – public officials unmatched in their service to parents and students of the charter school movement.

 
Congressman Kline presented with a 2013 Charter Champion award
(Image via the National Alliance for Public Charter School)

In the Golden State, more than 150 school leaders and parents attended the California Charter Schools Association's 20th Anniversary Advocacy Day, where they met with elected officials to discuss the impact charters are having on students’ success. The Texas Charter Schools Association welcomed more than 700 parents, students, teachers and charter leaders, who rallied on the steps of the state capitol to show their strong support for charter schools. The Illinois Network of Charter Schools hosted more than 500 parents, teachers, and students in Springfield, who called for equitable funding for public charter schools.

 
Parents rally at the Texas state capitol
(Image via Austin American-Statesman)

As President Obama said, “… charter schools choose to locate in communities with few high-quality educational options, making them an important partner in widening the circle of opportunity for students who need it most.”

Representing Public Charters on STEM
Last month, the House Education and Workforce Committee requested our assistance with finding a public charter school witness for a Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary hearing on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). We secured Bill Kurtz, CEO of DSST Public Schools from Denver, CO, to testify on “Raising the Bar: Reviewing STEM Education in America.” In addition to his views on STEM, he emphasized the importance of federal support for charter schools during his testimony.

About the National Alliance
The National Alliance for Public Charter Schools is the leading national nonprofit organization committed to advancing the charter school movement. Our mission is to lead public education to unprecedented levels of academic achievement by fostering a strong charter sector.

Media Round Up

•  “New Poll: Moms Prefer More School Choice,” NAPCS data cited, North American Press Syndicate, May 16
• “Broad Foundation Names Three Finalists for Charter Schools Prize,” NAPCS National Charter Schools Conference cited, Education Week’s District Dossier blog, May 15
• “Georgia Charters Create Alternative Teacher Pipeline,” Lisa Grover (Sr. Director of State Services) quoted, Heartland, May 10

News to Know

• “Texas House Votes to Lift Cap on Charter Schools,” Houston Chronicle, May 17
• “The Bronx Is Burning — With Charter School Applications,” New York Daily News, May 16
• “Charter School Caps Looking for Big Lift in Texas, Massachusetts,” Education Week’s State EdWatch blog, May 15
• “Minneapolis Charters Inspire Change in School System,” Minnesota Public Radio, May 14
• “Illinois Charter Commission to Decide Virtual School Appeal,” Daily Herald, May 13

Audience Favorites

Facebook—While charter schools are only 6% of all public schools, they're prevalent on the U.S. News & World Report, Washington Post, and Newsweek annual rankings of public high schools across the nation. Click the link to see if your public charter school made the top 100 on one or more of these rankings lists. http://www.publiccharters.org/Blog/Default.aspx?id=419

Twitter—@charteralliance: Tour of @phoenixcharter serving challenged adolescents. What's fair accountability for "alternative" schls? #NCSC13 bit.ly/15NwOSF

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Media Round Up

• “Huntington Learning Center Honors Charter Schools During National Charter Schools Week,” NAPCS National Charter School Week activities cited in Market Watch, May 9
• “Texas charter school waitlist numbers remain fluid,” NAPCS national waitlist data cited in KHOU, May 9
• “State leaders honored for charter school measure,” NAPCS  Charter Champions award cited in WTVA, May 8

News to Know

• “Maine Governor Proposes Lifting Cap on Charters,” Bangor Daily News, May 10
• “Texas State Senator Tells Rally Charter School Bill Will Pass,” Houston Chronicle, May 9
• “Op-ed: Celebrating Charter School Successes: This Week and Every Week,” Hill op-ed, May 8
• “President Obama Proclaims National Charter Schools Week,” Seattle Post-Intelligencer, May 7
• “Charter Schools Pioneer to Visit Maine,” Boston Globe, May 6

Audience Favorites

Facebook— Welcome to National Charter Schools Week 2013! Please share your photos and stories during NCSW--which gives us, as a community, the opportunity to highlight and share in our successes, lessons learned, and raise awareness of what public charter schools can offer.

Twitter—@charteralliance: Public Charter Schools are 5.8% of all public schools & 13% of @Newsweek's top 100 #BestHighSchools bit.ly/16kgNTw #NCSW #edreform

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Media Round Up

NAPCS in the News

• “Charter Schools Unionize,” NAPCS Unionized Charter Schools Report cited in Wall Street Journal, May 1
• “Kentucky Charter Schools Movement May Get Bump From Carl Rollins' Resignation,” NAPCS spokesman quoted in WFPL, Apr. 29

News to Know

• “D.C. Charters Underfunded, Leaders Tell Council,” Washington Examiner, May 3
• “Two Michigan Districts Transformed by Charter Operators,” Education Week, May 2
• “Texas House Education Panel Approves Charter School Bill,” Dallas News, May 1
• “Florida to Provide $91 Million for Charter School Facilities,” Bradenton Herald, Apr. 30
• “Bill Would Allow Connecticut Districts to Share Charters’ Scores,” CT Mirror, Apr. 29

Audience Favorites

Facebook— Granada Hills Charter HS won its third consecutive national title in Academic Decathlon on Saturday, beating out about 50 other teams—including its closest competitor, El Camino Real Charter High School. Congratulations to these public charter school students for their incredible achievement!

Twitter—@charteralliance: Research Shows that the Presence of Public Charter Schools Leads to Improvements in Traditional Public Schools bit.ly/YmAUh6

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NAPCS Resource Roundup for National Charter Schools Week

Media Round Up

• “Lift cap on urban charters,” op-ed by Nina Rees (President  & CEO), Worcester Telegram, Apr. 25
• “Charter Schools vs. Public: Is One Better Than the Other?” NAPCS research summary cited in Take Part, Apr. 25
• “Charter School Research Largely Positive, Says New Summary,” NAPCS research summary cited in Education Week’s Charter & Choice blog, Apr. 24
• “Three little-known facts about charter schools in Michigan,” NAPCS market share report cited in Michigan Radio, Apr. 24
• “Why Are 2 of U.S. News's Top 5 'Best High Schools' Arizona Charter Schools?” Nina Rees quoted in The Atlantic, Apr. 23
• “Advocate for rural public charter schools,” NAPCS Beyond City Limits issue brief cited in Daily Tarheel letter to the editor, Apr. 23

News to Know

• “Charter Parents United Rally for Equal Funding in Chicago,” Chicago Sun-Times, Apr. 26
• “Public Charter Schools Rank High in U.S. News & World Report’s List of Best High Schools,” U.S. News & World Report, Apr. 25
• “Atlanta Parent Starts Petition to Restore Charter School Funding,” East Atlanta Patch, Apr. 24
• “Opinion: In Kentucky, Let Failing Schools Become Charter Schools,” WDRB, Apr. 23
• “Tennessee Legislature Adjourns Without Passing Charter School Bill,” Memphis Commercial Appeal, Apr. 22

Audience Favorites

Facebook— U.S. News and World Report released its 2013 Best High Schools Rankings: 28 public charter schools are among the top 100; Three charter schools hold the top five rankings. Congratulations to these charter schools recognized as the top public high schools in the nation!

Twitter—@charteralliance: Board Chair of #2 and #5 ranked @USNewsEducation #2013BestHighSchools will be a keynote panelist at #NCSC13 bit.ly/12hBpqQ

You can stay up to date on all the developments in the public charter school sector by subscribing to our regular news updates…Sign up here.

Media Round Up

• “Unions' Charter-School Push,” Nina Rees (President  & CEO) quoted in Wall Street Journal, Apr. 15

News to Know

• “Ohio House Proposal Would Increase Charter School Funding,” Plain Dealer, Apr. 19
• “Among Five Cities, D.C. Charters Have Biggest Funding Disparity with Traditional Public Schools,” Washington Post, Apr. 18
• “New Hampshire Charter School Advocates Start Online Petition for School Approvals,” Nashua Telegraph, Apr. 17
• “North Carolina Charter School Bill Would Create Independent Authorizing Board," WFAE, Apr. 16
• “L.A. Mayoral Candidate Pledges to Be the ‘Education-Reform’ Mayor,” Los Angeles Times, Apr. 15

Audience Favorites

Facebook— Public Charter Schools Hold Top Rankings on Washington Post’s Challenge Index: In the past three years, public charter schools have grown from 17 percent, to 25 percent, and this year 28 percent of the schools in the top 100 Challenge Index high schools--and have held the #1 rank for two years running. Congratulations to these public charter schools being recognized for providing a rigorous academic experience for their students. http://www.publiccharters.org/Blog/Default.aspx?id=386

Twitter—@charteralliance: May 5-11 is just around the corner! RT @Mashea: National Charter Schools Week is less than 3 weeks away! #CharterSchools#SchoolChoice #NCSW

You can stay up to date on all the developments in the public charter school sector by subscribing to our regular news updates…Sign up here.

Media Round UP

• “Charter School Operators Defend Performance,” NAPCS data cited in Philadelphia Tribune, Apr. 11
• “Louisiana parents have power in their children's education, study says,” NAPCS Model Law cited in Times-Picayune, Apr. 11
• “Obama Budget Increases Education Spending, Flatlines Key Funds For Poor And Students With Disabilities,” Nina Rees (President & CEO) cited in Huffington Post, Apr. 10
• “LePage proposes taking money from education aid for legal defense,” Lisa Grover (Sr. Director of State Advocacy) quoted in Bangor Daily News, Apr. 9
• “Exploring the Link Between Charters and Private School Enrollment Decline,” NAPCS data cited in Education Week Charters & Choice blog, Apr. 9
• “Give charter schools chance to learn, grow,” NAPCS Model Law cited in Bangor Daily News Op-Ed, Apr. 8
• “N.C. charter school oversight plan does not include ‘best practices,’ expert says,” Todd Ziebarth (Sr. VP for State Advocacy) quoted in Sacramento Bee, Apr. 6

News to Know

• “Texas Senate Passes Charter School Bill,” Austin American-Statesman, Apr. 12
• “Montana House Committee Considers Public Charter Schools,” Beartooth NBC, Apr. 11
• “Tennessee Senate Delays Action on State Charter Authorizer,” Times News, Apr. 10
• “New York City Mayor Announces New Schools, Including 26 Charters,” New York Times, Apr. 9
• “South Carolina Charter Schools Receive Awards,” WBTW, Apr. 8

Audience Favorites

Facebook— Take ACTION: Click to link below to ask your Member of Congress to support more federal funding for public charter schools! http://salsa.publiccharters.org/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=9186

Twitter—@charteralliance: @DSSTPubSchools CEO to testify at @EdWorkforce hearing on #STEM education at 10 AM EST tomorrow 1.usa.gov/ZBk2Ej

You can stay up to date on all the developments in the public charter school sector by subscribing to our regular news updates…Sign up here.

Media Round Up

• “The thirst for charter schools,” NAPCS data cited in Chicago Tribune op-ed, Apr. 4
• “Mississippi Passes Major Improvements to its Public Charter School Law,” Nina Rees (President & CEO) quoted in NAPCS press release, Apr. 3
• “Idaho Lawmakers Approve More Modest Charter School Law Overhaul,” NAPCS Model Law cited in Boise State Public Radio, Apr. 3
• “Miss. Senate gives final OK to charter schools,” NAPCS Model Law cited in Sun Herald, Apr. 3

News to Know

• “Florida House Passes Two Charter School Bills,” Florida Current, Apr. 5
• “Mississippi Charter School Bill Heads to Governor’s Desk,” Clarion Ledger, Apr. 4
• “A Crucible of Change in Memphis,” New York Times, Apr. 3
• “Maine Governor, Charter Supporters Protest Proposed Changes in Funding,” Kennebec Journal, Apr. 2
• “Letter: Charters Are Lifting the D.C. Public School System,” Washington Post, Apr. 1

Audience Favorites

Facebook— In his New York Times column, Thomas Friedman shared the results of a new international benchmark study which shows that two U.S. public charter schools—BASIS Tucson North and North Star Academy in Newark, NJ—are literally outperforming every country in the world!
http://publiccharters.org/Blog/Default.aspx?id=381

Twitter—@Charteralliance Public Charter Schools' Performance Tops New Study on Global Competitiveness bit.ly/YVwBqE; Pres of #1 schl will speak at #NCSC13!

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