Re: Charter Schools

[Denise Davis <denisedavis@ECLIPSETEL.COM>]

Juanita,
I have not researched the charter school movement or history, honestly, but I am
now working in one as a Coordinator of Special Services/Special ed. teacher in a
consultative model.  I can tell you that my colleagues and I consider charter
schools here more like a pilot program-- where a different/innovative approach is
tried, studied, and refined so that successful models can then be replicated in
other public schools.  To me, it represents a chance to get past "If only we
didn't have to ____, we could____."  Some of the hurdles are removed via the
charter.  Each charter school has a particular emphasis or targeted population to
serve. (Ours is open to any child in Delaware, grade 1-8, and is entirely
Inclusive.  Another charter high school highlights math and science instruction
and careers; yet another focuses on helping children who show severe behavior
struggles in traditional school settings.)

I chose to work here because there is no district tie-in, no mandated textbooks,
or other top-down nonsense so prevalent in traditional public schools.  The
philosophy, parental choice and partnership, site-based management, and such here
is empowering.  Like all DE public schools, we still must jump through the DSTP,
Delaware Student Testing Program, hoop and follow the state standards. But, we
receive no money for facilities and maintenance.

BTW, I am opposed to vouchers which drain public funds from the public.  I don't
see that happening with charters in DE.  The overcrowded districts with unhappy
parents welcome not having to deal with it all!

Why are you interested in this at this time?

Denise

Juanita Doyon wrote:

> I attended the opening session of the "Imagine the Possibilities" Charter
> School Conference in Seattle last evening.  Keynote speaker Joe Nathan had
> some interesting things to say, I thought.  I just went to listen and learn,
> as I will be doing a lot in the next 4 years.
>
> Can anyone shed some light on the issue of Charter Schools for me?  And does
> anyone know much about Joe Nathan?  The conference was put on by Jim and Fawn
> Spady, and is a real who's who of charters.  I'll tell more about it later.
> Today I'm going back up to Seattle on a Christmas shopping expedition with a
> bunch of educator types on a bus trip.  (sorry to miss the full day of the
> charter conference for this previously planned event-- ha ha)
>
> Juanita
>
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------
> To unsubscribe from the ARN-L list, send command SIGNOFF ARN-L
> to LISTSERV@LISTS.CUA.EDU.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
To unsubscribe from the ARN-L list, send command SIGNOFF ARN-L
to LISTSERV@LISTS.CUA.EDU.