SUNY Charter Schools Institute

New York’s charter sector stands as a model for how effective schools, with a compelling vision, a strong student first culture, and a team of talented teachers and staff, can drive student achievement to new heights. The evidence of this is clear. Charters have and continue to outperform district schools not just in absolute terms on state assessments, but in closing the achievement gap, graduation rates, college readiness, and the performance of ELLs and students with disabilities.   Of course, while we celebrate these successes, as an authorizer, we are always looking for ways to improve, just as you are. That’s why I am thrilled that we are moving forward on strategic priorities that firmly maintain an eye to the future. Over the next three years, we will pursue improvement across several school-facing distinct priorities, including:   • Building a Stronger National Reputation by highlighting best practices across our high performing portfolio of schools and exploring research projects and white papers that will directly benefit charter leaders, the sector, and our peer authorizers. • Ensuring Equity in Our Work by seeking opportunities for growth among staff and systemically evaluating our practices and processes from the perspective of equity and inclusion. • Improving School Supports and Services to improve the quality of information collection, dissemination, and technical assistance we provide to schools while reducing the compliance burden. • Increasing Efficiency in All Areas to reduce friction points, increase the effectiveness of our communications, and provide more opportunity for the Institute to explore high impact and predictive analysis to benefit all schools.   We are excited to get to work! And this is where we will need your input. Understanding what you need from us – and, importantly, what you want from us – will be essential to grow and improve as an authorizer. What services do you wish we offered? What requests or authorizing practices make your job as a school leader harder? How can we be a better partner? In the coming months, we will be looking for your feedback as we reimagine what’s possible – so stay tuned for opportunities to connect with Institute staff! -Kathryn Connell-Espinosa, Executive Director, SUNY Charter Schools Institute PS Click the link below to sign up for our biweekly newsletter. #MoreGreatSeats4Kids #charterschool https://lnkd.in/eUwvZe8y

In September, East Harlem Scholars Academies, which operates two SUNY authorized charter schools, cut the ribbon on a new state of the art, 70,000-square-foot facility in East Harlem with 25 classrooms, a 20-foot mural, fully equipped labs, and a college-access suite. We spoke with Marina Cofield, CEO of East Harlem Tutorial Program (EHTP) and East Harlem Scholars Academies, to learn about the design process, how the team navigated unexpected challenges, and what the new facility means for scholars and the community. #MoreGreatSeats4Kids #charterschools https://lnkd.in/eVtEm3Q7

On October 11th, the State University of New York (SUNY) and charter high school leaders from across New York City and Long Island gathered in Manhattan for a special “SUNY for Everyone” event. Bart Grachan, Associate Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management at SUNY, presented on various SUNY enrollment programs and initiatives, including Free Application Week, Universal FAFSA support, match programs, bus trip and hosting programs, recruitment events, college readiness, and the new SUNY Top 10% program. Following the presentation, Vice Chancellor Grachan answered questions from school leaders in attendance and facilitated a discussion on how SUNY and charter high school leaders can build a successful partnership to help more aspiring students find the right SUNY campus fit. #MoreGreatSeats4Kids https://lnkd.in/eUKPE_kc

New report shows charter school enrollment grows across the nation. #moregreatseats4kids https://lnkd.in/eVCpZPeS

What a great conversation with Kathryn Connell-Espinosa Graham Browne Ryan Marks of the Colorado Charter School Institute and Steven Bartholomew of New Legacy Charter School in Aurora, CO. Honored to be part of it for the National Charter Schools Institute

Institute Executive Director Kathryn Connell Espinosa and Graham Browne, founder and Executive Director of Forte Preparatory Academy recently joined the National Charter Institute to discuss how school leaders can cultivate an atmosphere and community-wide belief system that all students can succeed. Give it a watch! #MoreGreatSeats4Kids https://lnkd.in/e_Xex_-r

This week, Icahn Charter Schools 4 & 6 were recognized with a National Blue Ribbon by the U.S. Department of Education. This is Icahn 4's second Blue Ribbon (2016). Congratulations to both schools and their leaders for serving as a model on how to drive student achievement! In total, 19 SUNY authorized charter schools have earned the distinction over the years. #MoreGreatSeats4Kids #charterschools https://lnkd.in/ddFTZJfF

Susana Rivera-Leon, CEO, Family Life Academy Charter Schools, sits down with NY1 to discuss issues facing charter schools. #MoreGreatSeats4Kids https://lnkd.in/e5ty5yFv

Andrew Kile, Managing Director of Evaluation at the SUNY Charter Schools Institute, will present on the topic of “Innovating School Renewal with Liberatory Design” on August 29th at 1pm eastern. The session will be hosted by the National Charter Schools Institute as part of its “Inspire” series and designed for educators, administrators, and authorizers. Andrew will explore how the Institute uses a human-centered approach and equitable lens to include school leaders as observers in the site visit process. https://lnkd.in/e9p8juaB #charterschools #moregreatseats4kids

The Institute is hiring! We're searching for our next Managing Director for Accountability. Reporting directly to the Institute's Executive Director, the MD for Accountability leads our Accountability and Evaluation teams and contributes to the Institute's overall mission and strategy as a member of the Institute's Leadership Team. Come help us cultivate an environment where strong public charter schools can take root and thrive. https://lnkd.in/ePn-RHVj #MoreGreatSeats4Kids #charterschools