September 23, 2011
William Harwood - Bridging the Public / Charter Divide
Posted by Mackey BrownleeLet me preface this article by saying that I am no national expert on education. I do not spend vast hours delving into the various models of charter schools, nor do I pretend to understand all the challenges that beset public schools. In fact, I don’t even have my Tennessee Teacher’s License yet; I’m pursuing it now through MTSU. So, if you’re looking for an omniscience on educational issues at the Diane Ravitch level, you will certainly not find it from me. Instead, what you will find is an enthusiastic teacher with a demonstrated track record of accomplishments in developing creative educational children’s programs – a Peabody and a CODiE Award &ndas...
May 19, 2011
We Have Met The Solution...
Posted by anonymous anonymousWe Have Met the Solution… Lifting the Cap from Charter Schools Back when I was a kid, litter was more ubiquitous. Trash lay on the ground seemingly everywhere, particularly along roads. It was the age of the first Earth Day, a time when Pogo the Possum told America that “We have met the enemy and he is us.” Since then, visible litter along roadways has decreased some 61% according to a recent study by Keep America Beautiful. One big reason is the advent of public / private partnerships. Through the Sponsor-a-Highway program, for example, companies donate money to community groups who, in turn, keep a two-mile stretch of road litter free on a monthly b...
March 24, 2011
TCSA Annual Conference
Posted by Matt ThrockmortonThe date is set for the annual Tennessee Charter Schools Association conference. Educators, Legislators and supporters will gather in Memphis October 7th-8th, 2011 to discuss trends in education and the direction of the Tennessee Charter Schools. The location for the venue will be determined soon and registration will be available through our web site. Check back for details. Sponsorships are available . Contact Jennifer Gentry for more information. ...
February 18, 2011
Charter Schools have Earned Chance to Expand
Posted by Matt ThrockmortonIn 2002, Tennessee became the 39th state in the union to pass public charter-school legislation. The intent of the legislature was to go slow, see what works, and consider next steps. To this end, they passed one of the most restrictive laws in the nation in areas such as caps on the number of charter schools allowed and which students could attend. At issue was making a wise investment in education reform, ensuring that good results followed this policy decision. It has been nine years since the passage of our law. We believe it is time to consider the next steps, especially since public charter schools in Tennessee have painstakingly earned this opportunity. Our law remains one of the strictest in the nation...