Indiana Study Adds One More Proof to Pile: Charters Thrive in Right Conditions
Indiana is one of those states where an ambitious education reform push is underway. Interestingly, the Indianapolis Star reports today on some new evidence (H/T American Federation for Children) bolstering part of the legislative package supported by Governor Mitch Daniels and State Superintendent Tony Bennett:
The Star looked at charter schools’ scores on ISTEP [Indiana Statewide […]
School Choice for Kids Adds Brief Podcasts to Enhance Parent-Friendly Experience
When Mondays come, especially when the Monday is cold and wet and foggy, I’m on the lookout for good news. For parents seeking a better educational option for their kids, I just might have the sort of news you’re looking for.
First and foremost, my Education Policy Center friends have added a new feature to […]
Devil's Advocate: Colorado Considers Parent Trigger
Tune in to Devil’s Advocate as host Jon Caldara is joined by State Representative Don Beezley and the Independence Institute’s Ben DeGrow to discuss Representative Beezley’s “parent trigger” legislation, which would empower parents to transform a low-performing school into a charter or innovation school. The Wisconsin public employee union showdown also emerges as a topic of conversation.
Public Unions Organize Against Their Fellow Citizens
Some have compared Wisconsin union protesters to the recent Egyptian street demonstrators. Superficial similarities aside, the comparison misses the point. Egyptians protested against a dictator. Union leaders protest against taxpaying citizens.
Colorado Considers “Parent Trigger,” California Parents Struggle to Keep It
A couple weeks ago I told you that the “parent trigger” idea was coming up soon for consideration in the Colorado legislature, and dispelled any idea that it might have something to do with guns or horses. Remember? We’re talking about empowering parents to change low-performing schools so they can improve them. Ok, so now […]
Colo. Springs Teachers Union Doesn’t Want to Open Negotiations: I Wonder Why?
The Colorado Springs District 11 school board voted to open union contract negotiations up for public observation, but the Colorado Springs Gazette reports that the CSEA (the local teachers union) has blackballed the idea. Maybe a list of examples of union officer perks built into the current bargaining agreement give a hint why they are hesitant to shine some public light on the process.
3/3/11
Newsletter March 3 2011
Blended Learning: The Best of Both Worlds
Dr. Amy Anderson, co-author of Blended Learning: the Best of Both Worlds, joins Pam Benigno to discuss how the integration of face-to-face and digital learning can lead to greater educational equity, opportunities, and efficiencies for Colorado schools and their students.
Colorado Cyberschools Day at the Capitol 2011: Did Anyone See Me There?
At the Colorado Cyberschool Association Day at the Capitol Event on February 24, 2011, education policy analyst Ben DeGrow presented some school choice resources to parents and educators in attendance.
Innovation Alert: Glenwood Springs Schools and Students “Moving On” Up?
I’ve been to Glenwood Springs before with my parents. It’s a neat place, with the caves and the rides and, of course, the hot springs. But this has got to be the first time I’ve blogged about it here. The local Post Independent reports that the Roaring Fork School District looks like they are about […]
Would Merit Pay Work Better If More Schools Didn’t See It Like Brussel Sprouts?
It’s Friday, so allow me to tease you a bit. Na na nanny boo boo. No, not like that. I mean “tease,” as in the broadcast media lingo for giving you just a little bit of info and a heads-up, while making you wait for the real deal.
But first, my own curiosity was drawn […]
Kudos to Colorado Springs District 11 for Shining Sunlight on Union Negotiations
Just when I start to think I can keep up with what’s going on in the world of education, something sneaks up on me almost in my own backyard. I’m talking about a vote by the school board in Colorado Springs District 11 — the state’s eighth-largest school district (nearly 30,000 students) — to do […]
