David Schipper’s Post

Educators and administrators need more support.

For good or ill, universal vouchers and other aspects of the school choice debate have altered the conversation around public education. But what can be done to present a viable alternative? In the latest entry in our series on public education, Civic Way founder Bob Melville examines the flaws inherent to the current school choice movement (and some valid points) and presents a path forward to make traditional public schools a viable and attractive option for education: https://lnkd.in/e6NAeFZ5

In the 3rd essay on our series on solutions for public education in North Carolina (and the country) we discuss perhaps the most important factor: funding. Civic Way founder Bob Melville advocates for and increase in funding and replacing the current funding model to one that factors in community factors as the primary driver of what schools receive what portion of funding: https://lnkd.in/dCRaguDC

Liberty, Bonds, and Battlefields - one perspective of the challenges and opportunities impacting our public schools: https://lnkd.in/g-B-ADXN

It’s not about the needle, it’s about the haystack A recent piece in the New York Times by Rachel Louise Snyder about her path back from being one of America’s over 2 million high school dropouts was both inspiring and a reminder of the work ahead for our public school system. (See link to the NYT article below.) Ms. Snyder’s story (and especially the work of the educators who believed in her all through her turbulent time in school) is an illustration of what’s possible when we stick with struggling kids even when they make it very tough to do so. But Ms. Snyder is the needle in a haystack; the vast majority of children who have failed or are failing out of high school have no good choices. Despite her success, she ends her piece on an uncertain note, fearing that we still haven’t built an educational ecosystem where our children’s futures are not irrevocably damaged by their earliest stumbles. For the charter movement, this is an opportunity: how are we, with our long-standing commitment to high-quality choices for all communities and high standards for all students, going to make sure that we are opening doors for the most challenged children? For one answer, see here: (https://lnkd.in/e_Hh-ApX). The time is now for the charter sector to build on its commitment to excellence by scaling the nation’s best alternative school models to serve the students who need effective schools the most. And if you are working to improve the alternative school space (or want to learn more), please reach out and join Groundswell (https://lnkd.in/e5mfVfnD) and its national network of leading educators and advocates in our efforts to identify, strengthen and scale the best alternative schools nationwide. Link to the NYT article: https://lnkd.in/ezHaA-WH

It’s not about the needle, it’s about the haystack A recent piece in the New York Times by Rachel Louise Snyder about her path back from being one of America’s over 2 million high school dropouts was both inspiring and a reminder of the work ahead for our public school system. (See link to the NYT article below.) Ms. Snyder’s story (and especially the work of the educators who believed in her all through her turbulent time in school) is an illustration of what’s possible when we stick with struggling kids even when they make it very tough to do so. But Ms. Snyder is the needle in a haystack; the vast majority of children who have failed or are failing out of high school have no good choices. Despite her success, she ends her piece on an uncertain note, fearing that we still haven’t built an educational ecosystem where our children’s futures are not irrevocably damaged by their earliest stumbles. For the charter movement, this is an opportunity: how are we, with our long-standing commitment to high-quality choices for all communities and high standards for all students, going to make sure that we are opening doors for the most challenged children? For one answer, see here: (https://lnkd.in/eYnmsqxR). The time is now for the charter sector to build on its commitment to excellence by scaling the nation’s best alternative school models to serve the students who need effective schools the most. And if you are working to improve the alternative school space (or want to learn more), please reach out and join Groundswell (https://lnkd.in/e3QwQTBJ) and its national network of leading educators and advocates in our efforts to identify, strengthen and scale the best alternative schools nationwide. Link to the article in the NYT: https://lnkd.in/eesadTr8

In the 2022-2023 school year, a staggering 7.5 million children in the U.S. needed special education services. That's 1 million more kids than just 10 years ago. There is a significant increase in the number of American children qualifying for special education, which is causing a consequent strain on school resources. This has led to shortages of special-education teachers and increased budget pressures. As a result, parents are finding it harder to secure a spot for their children in public schools that provide adequate care, forcing many to turn to private schools, which can cost as much as $70,000 a year. The growing number of students requiring special education services highlights the critical need for more resources, better funding, and sustainable staffing solutions to support these students effectively. It's essential that we support not only the schools but also the parents who are advocating tirelessly for their children. Every child deserves the opportunity to thrive, and it’s up to us to ensure that these children receive the care and support they need to flourish. Read more in the Wall Street Journal article in the comments section ⬇️

"The ideal of quality, integrated public schools for all children in the United States epitomizes the promise of our country’s founding as a place of equality and opportunity for all. It thus makes sense that would-be autocrats and protectors of privilege would seek to undermine our public schools by whatever means necessary. We must see this as what it is: as much a threat to the nation as was the violent storming of our Capitol." "The future of the United States depends on an educated and empathetic citizenry. It requires us to share a sense of common purpose and recognize our common humanity. It requires an environment that allows every child to thrive and see themselves included in the American story. It requires quality public education. Full stop." "A historic battle to save this institution and the very idea of good public schools has been underway for some time. It is now intensifying. Attention must be paid." https://lnkd.in/e934QwBw

Over the years I have had to combat so many of the dumb assumptions people and organizations have spouted off about charter public schools. In one corner you have that we only serve gifted white religious students, in another corner is empty because special education students are not allowed to attend. Both of these assumptions are wrong. Just because you say it's true doesn't magically make it so. Too many politicians, especially those in the Golden State, are purposely ignorant about charter public schools so that they can continue to accept the endorsement and cash from labor groups that never support what is best for students. Let's be clear, charter public schools are open to all, help their authorizing school districts meet the pressing need of all students in the community and have been given a bad wrap because most are a success. Stop believing the lies and make plans this week to call a charter public school in your community and plan a visit. These schools are best enjoyed in person. Don't have students? That's okay! Most charter leaders want to meet and gain the support of the community so you definitely fit the bill. Add to that, most leaders would love your interest and philanthropic interest so visiting a charter public school can seal that deal. 💚 #charterschool #publiceducation #misinformation

Public education in North Carolina has been a bi-partisan source of pride for decades. Recent changes in the makeup of the legislature and a disturbing shift towards governance by ideology threatens to challenge the system. In the first in a series of essays by Civic Way founder Bob Melville we examine how the state legislature has begun to dismantle the public education system in a manner that threatens to leave it a shadow of its former self. https://lnkd.in/g6eSHJGV https://lnkd.in/gKMYcihX