New research
A new study by Ian Kingsbury and Robert Maranto looks at the regulatory burden on charter schools across the country, finding that many high-regulation states (including Ohio) have erected barriers to entry for new and innovative charter models and for schools led by underrepresented groups. “In high-regulation states,” they write in an Education Next summary of the study, “White and Asian applicants are more than twice as likely to receive authorization compared to Black and Hispanic applicants. Moreover, applicants affiliated with CMOs are more than twice as likely to receive authorization compared to unaffiliated applicants.” The study is worth a deeper look.
New and expanding charters
As a new school year approaches, we are seeing some very positive media coverage of new charter schools opening their doors—such as a new Flex High School in Richmond Heights—as well as existing charters expanding in new locations—such as Golden Bridge Academy in Lima. Congratulations and best wishes to staff, students, and families of all these schools.
More reopening plans
With coronavirus cases still high in the Buckeye State, plans for the new school year continue to evolve. It is gratifying to see local media including charter schools in their coverage. Par Excellence Academy’s provision of both an in-person option (four days per week on a more-or-less traditional schedule) and a fully remote-option (afternoon classes with teachers four days a week), with a full-school virtual Friday is said to be unique and to have been very positively received by school families. Parent support is also said to be key in Mt. Auburn Preparatory Academy’s reopening plans—which include fully in-person, fully remote, and hybrid options from which families can choose.
Social-emotional learning in the time of Covid
Remote learning last spring strained schools’ ability to address the social-emotional needs of their students. With many schools continuing remotely this fall, the time to improve non-academic supports is now. Success Academies have a strong-sounding effort, as described in this blog, although it is clear that educators long for the day when they will have students back in class again.
Energy and innovation
Here’s a great look at Entrepreneurship Preparatory Cliffs student Keziah Dorroh, centering on how the technology focus of her school gave her support for learning both before and during the pandemic. She harnessed both her energy and the school’s technology to boost herself and her fellow students while learning at home.
