Monthly Archives: July 2012

A high-performing charter school creates income diversity in Atlanta

A writer at The Hechinger Report describes how Atlanta’s East Lake neighborhood is being transformed by a combination of a high performing charter school and a mixed-income public housing strategy. “Rich Kid, Poor Kid: How Mixed Neighborhoods Could Save America’s Schools”, … Continue reading

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State Board of Education primary runoffs (election tomorrow — July 31)

What effect will the 2012 elections have on the textbook wars? The size of the social conservative block will probably be decided during tomorrow’s runoff primary. “3 runoffs set in Texas Board of Education races”, Jamie Stengle, Austin American-Statesman, July 25, … Continue reading

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Getting and keeping great teachers: does merit pay work?

Putting great teachers into more classrooms will help students learn better. But do policies like giving bonuses to highly-rated teachers and firing the worst teachers actually work to attract and keep great teachers? In theory, yes, a little. “Labor Market Behavior … Continue reading

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Photos: Future site of San Antonio Children’s Museum

This gallery contains 3 photos.

The San Antonio Children’s Museum is raising money to build a new campus by 2015 at this location, on the east side of Broadway between Brackenridge Avenue and Humphreys Avenue.

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Editors: Solution for school board turmoil is better candidates

In an editorial this week, the Express-News begs for “effective leaders on local school boards.” “Strong candidates needed on fall ballot”, San Antonio Express-News, July 24, 2012. Who serves on a school board, their credentials and reasons for wanting to serve … Continue reading

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Parent trigger petition wins California court ruling

Parents at Desert Trails Elementary in Adelanto, California rounded up enough signatures to activate the “parent trigger”: when parents at a failing school ask that their local campus be handed over to a charter school operator. The school board allowed … Continue reading

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Rocketship gets an approval in Milwaukee; national expansion underway

The Milwaukee Plan Commission recently approved Rocketship Education‘s application to renovate and expand a building on Milwaukee’s south side into an elementary school to open in 2013. “Milwaukee Rocketship charter school gains first approval”, Sean Ryan, Milwaukee Business Journal, July 9, 2012. … Continue reading

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Leadership changes at public school districts in the San Antonio area

A well-researched article in Sunday’s paper discusses the changes in the top job at six local public school districts since last summer. “Superintendent changes sweep local districts”, Francisco Vara-Orta, San Antonio Express-News, July 21, 2012. Some transitions were smooth and well-planned … Continue reading

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San Antonio Charter Moms is now on Pinterest

We have a couple of boards up on Pinterest now. Come have a look!

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Runoff primary election early voting starts Monday, July 23

The runoff primary election is July 31, but early voting starts Monday, July 23. Here are some races that may impact education: Texas Senate District 25: Republican runoff between Jeff Wentworth (the incumbent) and Donna Campbell Texas House District 117: … Continue reading

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