History Repeats...30 Years Ago This Week, Meet The Blob And…
Happy Halloween!
It’s the Blob!
Back by popular demand, watch the scary “movie trailer” for The Education Blob, a must watch on this All Hallow’s Eve.
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Thirty Years Ago This Week…
…CER launched its first newsletter, The Monthly Letter to Friends, which was delivered snail mail-style. Ironically enough, there’s a story about Texas which was struggling even then, thirty years ago, to enact even a modest education choice pilot. (Pennsylvania is a slightly different story but still working on it!)
Meanwhile, thirty years in the making, and TX Governor Greg Abbott may finally be able to succeed with strong and encouraging signs like this one (read release below) which came out earlier today, a call to add to the third special session of the Texas Legislature a revised education choice program so that all families may give their children the education they deserve!
The Struggle Continues, Too, In Connecticut
The Yankee State seems to forget its roots as a pioneer for independence. The state’s inequitable charter school law makes it impossible for approved charters to even get opened and funded. This story from the town of Danbury tells just part of the story that has plagued almost a dozen charter schools since the legislature started requiring state-approved charters to seek funding directly from the state legislature, rather than funding being provided as part of the state’s per pupil formula like every other state does (save Connecticut and Kentucky). The local Danbury leadership in the story profiled here support the school - mayor, city council and school board. But the state - thanks to The Blob - wants to thwart community demand. We’ve watched the successful Capitol Prep fight the same fight for years to open its new campus in Middleton. As Elevate Schools’ John Taylor told the media,
“This school has had a tremendous amount of support locally, from parents in particular, for years. And it’s really hard for them to understand why the school hasn’t opened to date.”
Much more to be said but the fight there is beginning to reach a crescendo.
We’re Off!
The Yass Prize Accelerator launched today, providing awardees along with applicants an opportunity to learn how to improve, grow, sustain and accelerate education transformation. While you can only join if you were part of the recent application pool, it's so rewarding to see and hear from the 64 Quarterfinalists who have begun a new chapter in the effort to provide every student with an education that is Sustainable, Transformational, Outstanding and Permissionless! You’ll be able to hear directly from the unconventional and groundbreaking 33 Semifinalists on December 13, before the big announcement, live from Forbes on Fifth. Mark your calendar now and we will send you details as we near the date.
It shouldn’t take a fight, or a hurricane, or superhuman strength to get great policies enacted and great schools open. Thanks to the saints who do it, regardless. You are all saints and we’ll toast to you tomorrow! Meanwhile, have a great Halloween!!! -Jeanne