In the State · New Haven · Opinion

Using Data To Draw Conclusions Has It’s Limitations, Especially When You Selectively Cherry Pick: Why You Might Not Want To Believe All The Hype Against Amistad

I think it should be a rule: If you’re going to point out the limitations of using school data to draw conclusions, you shouldn’t cherry pick. To illustrate what I mean, take a look at blogger Ann Cronin’s latest anti-charter school piece which targets Amistad High School in New Haven, a school that’s received national… Continue reading Using Data To Draw Conclusions Has It’s Limitations, Especially When You Selectively Cherry Pick: Why You Might Not Want To Believe All The Hype Against Amistad

In the State

Connecticut Teachers Union Launches Extremely Misleading (And Transparent) Attack On Charter Schools

Thursday, the state’s largest teachers union, the Connecticut Education Association (CEA), published a report conducted by Rodriguez Data Solutions, LLC, an independent research firm — in layman’s terms: probably a paid consultant — that calls out charter schools for “diverting” funds meant for children to charter management organizations (CMOs). The document specifically targets Achievement First, one of… Continue reading Connecticut Teachers Union Launches Extremely Misleading (And Transparent) Attack On Charter Schools

Bridgeport · Students

How About Wendy Lecker’s Void Of Intellectual Honesty?

On Monday, the Connecticut Post published Deputy Communications Director for Northeast Charter School Network (NECSN) Michael Shulansky’s response to Wendy Lecker’s latest anti-school choice hit piece.  His response is great, in that it calls Lecker’s commentary out for what it is — intellectually dishonest. Lecker, an attorney for the Education Law Center and columnist for… Continue reading How About Wendy Lecker’s Void Of Intellectual Honesty?

Students

Achievement First Parents Speak Out Against Pereira Appointment: “This Is Clearly Not In the Best Interest Of Children”

What exactly does Maria Pereira gain from forcing her way onto Achievement First’s Board of Directors? What are her ulterior motives? These were some of the many questions asked by upset public charter school parents who came out in full force to Bridgeport Board of Education’s Monday night meeting to oppose the appointment of Pereira,… Continue reading Achievement First Parents Speak Out Against Pereira Appointment: “This Is Clearly Not In the Best Interest Of Children”

Students

The Connecticut Education Association’s Recent Attack On Charter Schools Extremely Suspect 

It would appears, once again, the state’s largest teacher’s union are taking aim at charter schools. About two weeks ago, the Connecticut Education Association (CEA), issued a press release claiming that one-third of them employ more than the allowable amount of non-certified teachers. In their release, the CEA specifically cites the Achievement First network of schools as… Continue reading The Connecticut Education Association’s Recent Attack On Charter Schools Extremely Suspect 

Students

Bridgeport BOE Still Fighting Over Administrator Hiring Process

It appears the Bridgeport Board of Education is still fighting over who has the power to make final hiring decisions – though this time it wasn’t about Bassick High School’s principal. Howard Gardner and Sauda Baraka seem to think it’s not the Superintendent, despite it being plainly spelled out in the BOE’s certified staff hiring… Continue reading Bridgeport BOE Still Fighting Over Administrator Hiring Process

Students

FACT CHECK: Why Aren’t Charter School Students Worth As Much As Other Students?

At last Thursday’s rally, Achievement First Hartford High School student Shyheim Russell asked state legislators an important question: “Are my charter school classmates worth less than public school students?” His question refers to the fact that charter schools in Connecticut receive thousands less in per-pupil taxpayer funding than traditional public schools – and yet, there… Continue reading FACT CHECK: Why Aren’t Charter School Students Worth As Much As Other Students?

New Haven · Students

Are State Teachers’ Unions Gunning to Halt Charter Schools?

How much does it cost to get state legislators to ignore the calls of thousands of parents? Apparently, for the two largest teachers unions, around $6,500. According to the National Institute on Money in State Politics, a state campaign finance watchdog website, and state finance filings, that’s the amount of direct campaign contributions collectively received… Continue reading Are State Teachers’ Unions Gunning to Halt Charter Schools?

New Haven · Students

In New Haven, Public and Charter Schools Look to Collaborate on Innovative New School

For Bridgeport residents it’s probably hard to believe that a school board and a charter school could collaborate on anything, but only a few miles up the road, New Haven is once again proving us all wrong. According to the New Haven Independent, New Haven Public Schools and Achievement First are looking into a partnership… Continue reading In New Haven, Public and Charter Schools Look to Collaborate on Innovative New School

Students

What Parents Think About Bridgeport Schools – Part III

I think it’s safe to say that most parents, no matter where they’re from, envision college in their children’s future. Bridgeport parent of three Kadisha Coates is no different. When I sat down with her a few weeks ago to talk about what she, a prospective charter school parent, thought about Bridgeport Public Schools she… Continue reading What Parents Think About Bridgeport Schools – Part III