McQuillan Pat’s Post

➡️Exploring Charter Schools:➡️ As an emerging educational trend, charter schools have sparked considerable interest and debate in recent years. With a mission to offer innovative approaches to education, charter schools stand at the intersection of public and private education, presenting unique opportunities and challenges. ➡️In this brief blog, we'll delve into three key points to provide a foundational understanding of charter schools, setting the stage for further exploration in subsequent articles. ✔️ What are Charter Schools? Charter schools are publicly funded institutions that operate independently, often with more flexibility in curriculum, teaching methods, and organizational structure compared to traditional public schools. They are granted charters by state or local authorities and are accountable for academic performance and financial management. Charter schools may specialize in various areas such as arts, STEM education, or alternative learning approaches, catering to diverse student needs and interests. ✔️ The Landscape of Charter School Providers:➡️ In the competitive realm of education, several entities, including for-profit organizations, non-profit organizations, and even traditional public school districts, vie to establish and manage charter schools. Each brings its own philosophy, resources, and expertise to the table, shaping the educational experience offered by charter schools. Understanding the motivations and strategies of these providers is crucial for assessing the diversity and quality of charter school options available in different communities. ✔️Impact and Controversies:➡️ While charter schools have been praised for fostering innovation, promoting school choice, and addressing the needs of underserved populations, they also face criticism and controversies. Issues such as accountability, equity, and the potential for diverting resources from traditional public schools have fueled debates surrounding the efficacy and fairness of the charter school model. Exploring these complexities is essential for gaining a nuanced understanding of the broader educational landscape. ✔️Conclusion:➡️ Charter schools represent a dynamic and evolving sector within the education industry, offering both promise and challenges. By examining their origins, stakeholders, and impact, we lay the groundwork for a deeper exploration of this multifaceted topic. In future articles, we'll delve into specific aspects of charter school operation, regulation, and outcomes, shedding light on the diverse perspectives and experiences that shape the ongoing dialogue surrounding charter education. Stay tuned for more insights and analysis as we continue our journey into the world of charter schools. Together, we'll uncover the opportunities and complexities of this vital component of modern education. #TalentServe #Schools #Education

Charter Schools: Exploring the Pros and Cons School choice is a hot topic these days, and charter schools are right in the center of the debate. But what exactly are charter schools, and are they the right fit for your child? Let's break it down! What Makes a Charter School Different? Charter schools are publicly funded schools that operate independently of the traditional school district. Think of them as public schools with more freedom. In exchange for meeting specific performance goals, they get more flexibility in areas like curriculum and staffing. Potential Benefits of Charter Schools: * Innovation: Charter schools can experiment with new teaching methods and programs, potentially leading to a more engaging learning experience. * Focus: Some charters specialize in STEM subjects, arts, or language immersion, catering to specific student interests. * Accountability: Since they rely on enrollment to stay afloat, charter schools are generally held to high standards. Are There Any Drawbacks? * The Lottery Game: Many popular charter schools have waiting lists, and admission can be determined by a lottery system. This can make it tough to get your child enrolled. * Accountability Concerns: Who decides if a charter school is successful? There can be debate about how performance is measured. * Funding Issues: Charter schools receive public funds, but often less than traditional public schools. This can impact resources and class sizes. So, Are Charter Schools Right for You? It depends on your needs and priorities. If you're looking for a school with a unique focus or innovative approach, a charter school might be a good option. However, be prepared for the possibility of a lottery system and potential resource limitations. Do Your Research! Before making a decision, research your local charter schools. Consider their academic programs, extracurricular activities, and overall environment. Most importantly, talk to current parents and students to get a firsthand perspective. The Charter School Choice: It's All About Options Ultimately, charter schools add another option to the educational landscape. By understanding the pros and cons, you can make an informed decision about the best fit for your child's educational journey. #charterschools #brainbooster #talentserve TalentServe

I enjoyed reading the posting on Higher Ed Dive this morning about Northland College (Wisconsin), which had disclosed in March that it might need to close by the end of this academic year. Yes, we've seen this film before. However, my enjoyment comes from what Northland is doing -- it has declared 'exigency,' planning to cut $7 million from its budget (OK, fine), and...here's the important bit...it will refocus around eight high-demand, mission-aligned majors (a reduction from a total of 40 currently). This refocus is critical. Often when an independent school is seriously contemplating closure, the discussions at the governance level center on cost-cutting, restructuring the administration, downsizing faculty/staff (and increasing class size), and so forth. Apart from that, those discussions make a massive assumption: that running the same program (and all associated offerings) are successful....if only more students would enroll, if only we had better marketing, etc. If only we tried harder. If, if, if. Yet, for all our 'if's' we never ask, "What if...we were to refocus our program?" We rarely go there... Schools can't cut their way to success. National Association of Independent Schools NBOA: Business Leadership for Independent Schools New Jersey Association of Independent Schools (NJAIS) Pennsylvania Association of Independent Schools (PAIS) ASSOCIATION OF DELAWARE VALLEY INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS Association of Independent Maryland & DC Schools NYSAIS ICAISA Middle States Association NEASC Inc ACS WASC https://lnkd.in/eXxmdh-A

It may be #backtoschool season, but we know preparing for #summerlearning begins now! Led by the nonprofit FHI 360, the Wallace-funded DSLN has helped more than 100 districts across six states design, carry out, and sustain high-quality, evidence-based summer learning programs that prepare students for academic success and support their well-being. A research team at NYU Metro Center is studying the effort. The team is producing a series of “Summer Snapshots” to highlight how districts across the country are reimagining what a summer program can be. This first summer snapshot focuses on high school students faced with making up class credits over the summer. It examines how two school districts, Manchester Public School District, in Connecticut, and Oakland Unified School District, in California, have reinvented their programs to take a more holistic approach to academics and enrichment over the summer. They are moving beyond credit makeup to accelerate learning and better prepare students for the upcoming year. Read the Summer Snapshot Series here: http://bit.ly/3X5bupF #NYUMetroCenter #NYUSteinhardt #Research #PRE #CenterforPolicyResearchEvaulation #WallaceFoundation #SummerSnapshot #SummerSchool #SummerLearning #LearningLost #sutdents #YouthDevelopment ##Education #growth #Skilldevelopment #Connecticut #Oakland #AcademicSuccess #enrichment #PublicSchools

🚨 We've got exciting news about the latest developments in the #RealCollege movement, complete with a fresh new look! Millions of college students work incredibly hard to learn and focus on school when they struggle to meet food, housing, and other basic needs. They need teachers and other campus leaders who understand how to support them through this process. In a new blog post, Traci Kirtley reflects on our work with faculty, asking, "How could we give [them] practical solutions to help students – but in a way that didn’t just require them to find more time, energy, and patience in an era of incredible exhaustion and burnout?" We are building the solution. The #RealCollege Curriculum. 🧑🏫 Originally developed by Sara Goldrick-Rab and Jesse Stommel, the #RealCollege Curriculum is a masterclass for higher education professionals and their partners, designed to help colleges and universities enhance the equitable use of holistic student supports. We’re meeting educators where they are with courses designed to help them rethink their approach—not just in the classroom but across the broader campus ecosystem. Traci Kirtley invites you behind the scenes in her blog post discussing where the #RealCollege Curriculum came from and dives into the values that have gone into its construction. Read more below, and sign up for our Webinar on Oct. 28 while you're there! https://lnkd.in/gdTamu4M #HigherEd #HigherEducation #StudentSuccess #CollegeSuccess #Webinar #ProfessionalDevelopment #OnlineLearning

We are proud to release our new report, P-3 in Principal Preparation: Leveraging School Leadership to Improve Early Learning and the Early Grades. Our vision is that intersecting the fields of P-3 and school leadership can influence the vast majority of the nation’s young students, closing both opportunity and achievement gaps that have persisted for decades. The report focuses on five policy drivers that can influence elementary principals’ skills and knowledge at scale: 1. state policy; 2. institutions' of higher education's policies and practices; 3. school districts' policies and practices; 4. research; and 5. national organizations. Backed by compelling research, the Call to Action offers bold and practical strategies to transform early learning and the early grades. https://lnkd.in/gmMHpmQM Swati A., Elizabeth Alvarez, Ph.D., Rod L. Blunck, Ed.D., Monica Byrne-Jimenez, Rebecca Cheung, Barbara Chow, Barbara Cooper, Ph.D, Anne Douglass, Alexandra Figueras-Daniel, Rotunda Floyd-Cooper, Ed. D, L. Earl Franks, Ed.D., CAE, Bonnie Fusarelli, Frank L. Gettridge, Ed.D., Walter Gilliam, Nancy B. Gutierrez, Ed.L.D., Erika Hunt, Maria Hyler, Karen L List, Ph.D., Marvin Lynn, Aaliyah A. Samuel, EdD, Tony Sanders, Campaign for Grade-Level Reading, Sara Slaughter, Steven Tozer, Luis Valentino, Ash Vasudeva, Jackie Wilson, Michelle Young, Chelsi Chang, Brittany Mauney, Kate Tarrant, Kristie Kauerz

The National P-3 Center's latest report highlights five key policy drivers that can shape the skills and knowledge of elementary principals on a large scale, check it out below:

The Values We Promote Today Become The World We Inherit Tomorrow Anthony DeMarco ran for the Leon County School Board District 1 seat in 2022, challenging incumbent Alva Striplin. His campaign focused on enhancing school safety, improving digital infrastructure, and addressing staffing shortages. Despite his efforts, DeMarco did not win the election. In 2024, DeMarco sought election to the Tallahassee City Commission for Seat 1 but did not appear on the ballot for the primary held on August 20, 2024. DeMarco's professional background includes experience in information technology, development, and instructional design. He has been involved in developing educational programs at the Association for Institutional Research. His campaign platforms have consistently emphasized the importance of digital transformation in education, advocating for the integration of technology to enhance learning experiences. He has also highlighted the need for policy changes to improve school safety and has stood firmly in support of science-based decision-making in educational settings. DeMarco's active participation in local politics and his professional expertise in technology and education demonstrate his commitment to public service and community engagement. Sources: Yahoo News "Replay: Q&A with candidates for Leon County School Board, District 1" Published on August 16, 2022 This article provides a replay of a candidate forum featuring Anthony DeMarco and his opponents. [ Image: Original Artwork by Anthony DeMarco ] WTXL ABC 27 "Leon County School Board member Alva Striplin files for re-election, faces opponent" Published on February 2, 2022 This news article reports on Alva Striplin's re-election filing and mentions Anthony DeMarco as her challenger. YouTube "Election 2022: Leon County School Board District 1 Candidate Forum" This video features a Q&A session with candidates for the Leon County School Board, District 1, including Anthony DeMarco. Tallahassee Reports "Four Questions with School Board Candidate Anthony DeMarco" Published on February 28, 2022 This article features an interview with Anthony DeMarco, discussing his reasons for running, major issues facing the school district, differences between him and his opponent, and his views on local groups. Tallahassee Reports "Leon School Board District 1: Alva Striplin Challenged by DeMarco, Arbulu" Published on August 16, 2022 This article provides an overview of the District 1 race, including statements from Anthony DeMarco and his opponents. Ballotpedia "Leon County Schools, Florida, elections (2022)" This page details the 2022 elections for the Leon County Schools, including the District 1 race involving Anthony DeMarco.

This report is important as states and districts consider the preparation and support for P-3 school leadership. @npbea1

I was incredibly encouraged last week when reading why The Minneapolis Foundation is doubling down on its support of Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS). That was followed the next morning by some exciting news: MPS and its students outperformed expectations nationwide in math! 📊 According to The 74 Media, MPS scored 8 percentage points higher than expected in math proficiency, based on calculations comparing local poverty levels to actual scores. This is a testament to the hard work and dedication of MPS educators, staff, and students. 🎉 The Minneapolis Foundation’s support comes at a pivotal moment when districts and states across the country are transforming how teachers approach reading instruction (in Minnesota, see the READ Act). They also highlighted MPS’ innovative Grow Your Own (GYO) strategies, which are paving the way for meaningful change. It excites me and creates a sense of kinship to know that MPS’ new GYO programs are all being built on Proserva. At Proserva, we’re proud to support MPS in their groundbreaking efforts, including: Minnesota’s first-ever district-run alternative preparation teacher program One of 7 districts who kicked off MN's first ever Teacher Apprenticeship Programs, creating free, job-embedded pathways toward a BA + Teaching License for school staff (I'd be remiss if I didn't share that all other transformative MN district apprenticeship programs are currently powered by Proserva as well. 😊) Of course, we all have work to do in the coming weeks, months, and years to continue to move things forward for our students. But today, let’s take a moment to celebrate the incredible educators, paras, and students of MPS who are making these achievements possible. 👏 #ThankYouTeachers #MPS #EducationInnovation #GrowYourOwn #Proserva #EducationMatters