Our Charter School Weekly Brief has updates on the National Alliance and the charter school movement!
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WHAT'S NEW: Updates from the National Alliance

  • This week, we look forward to welcoming leaders of charter school state organizations from across the country. They will convene in our nation's capital and advocate to their federal representatives on behalf of charter schools.
  • Hispanic Heritage Month kicks off this Friday! Especially during this month, we look forward to honoring the invaluable impact of Hispanic history on our country and celebrating the many Hispanic members of our charter school community. 
  • Today, on September 11, we remember the lives lost, the heroes who emerged, and the enduring spirit of resilience that unites us all on this somber anniversary. We honor their memory by standing together in hope and unity.
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UPDATE: Montana Court Issues Limited Preliminary Injunction in Favor of Community Choice Schools

 

Background:

  • Montana is the most recent state to enact a law allowing charter schools, known as community choice schools. However, shortly after the bill passed in the 2023 legislative session, charter school opponents filed suit to stop these innovative public schools from opening. 

The Latest:

  • Last week, District Judge Chris Abbott granted a narrow injunction to HB 562, allowing the statewide commission for public charter schools to form while the legal matter is being resolved. There is still more work to be done, but we are moving closer to the day when these new schools are able to open.

What It Means:

  • This decision opens the door for potential charter school leaders to request authorization for new charter schools in the future. However, the battle is not yet over and we must continue to support our Montana partners as they fight opposition and defend this law for students and families. All students deserve high-quality education options and that include Montana's students!
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READ: A Foundation for Success–How My Charter School Instilled Lifelong Values

This summer, we were thrilled to have charter school alumna, Kayla Burns, as a policy intern and to provide a platform for her to share her story: 

 

“Breakthrough Public Schools have changed many students’ lives including mine—I am now a first-generation college graduate from Columbia University. It’s important to me that families know charter schools are another great option for their children and the impact they can have on them and their future.” 

 

Read more about Kayla's story and wish her the best as she starts her first full-time position this week!

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ENGAGE: Resources and Grants

American Rescue Plan—Homeless Children and Youth Webinar

  • Who: SchoolHouse Connection and Acting Assistant Secretary of the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education at the U.S. Department of Education  
  • What: Updates on how ARP-HCY funds can support youth experiencing homelessness. 
  • When: September 12 from 3-4 p.m. ET

Charter Schools Anti-Vaping Webinar

  • Who: The American Heart Association's Public Charter Schools Council
  • What: This webinar will explore the ever-evolving youth vaping landscape and connection to mental health. Learn school-based strategies to help students quit vaping and discover the power of prevention.
  • When: September 12 at 4 p.m. ET

    Teach to Lead Summit and Conference on Equity in Opportunity

    • Who: The U.S. Department of Education
    • What: Key educational leaders will convene to discuss the importance of educator diversity in our nation’s schools.
    • When: October 26
    • Where: Denver, Colorado

     Perkins Innovation and Modernization Grant Program

    • Who: The U.S. Department of Education
    • What: Grant seeks to identify, support, and evaluate evidence-based and innovative strategies and activities to improve career and technical education. Charter LEAs are eligible in consortium with other eligible entities, see the eligible list.
    • When: Applications are due December 12
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    ATTEND: Upcoming Events

    Join these conferences and activities to connect with fellow charter school advocates!

    • Sep. 15-Oct. 15: National Hispanic Heritage Month
    • Sep. 25-27: Texas Public Charter Schools Conference -- Austin, TX
    • Oct. 3-5: Pennsylvania Coalition of Public Charter Schools Annual Conference -- Lancaster, PA

    See more upcoming events. 

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      READ: What We're Reading

      • Charter Schools Outperform in 2023 U.S. News Ranking of Top High Schools | The Charter Blog
      • Gov. Reynolds attends ribbon-cutting ceremony for new Des Moines charter school | KCCI Des Moines
      • Louisiana lawmakers tour Bayou Community Academy to learn how charter schools operate | Daily Comet
      • Mother says School Smart KC food pantry has changed her life | KHSB

      That's all for this week! 

       

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      • Getting involved

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