Newswire – December 8, 2020

Commentary by: The Center For Education Reform on December 8, 2020 - 6:46 pm

THE ELVES AREN’T THE ONLY ONES BUSY.

While the wee ones at the North Pole are putting the finishing touches on items for the sleigh on the 24th of this month, we’re putting the finishing touches on 2020 by keeping you up to date on who deserves sugar plums or lumps of coal in their stockings.

PARENTS ALWAYS KNOW BEST when it comes to the education of their kids. The latest example of that — and an encouraging sign of parents insisting on taking control, comes from Oregon with parents saying our kids are the sacrifices – open the schools!

Parents have organized protests across the state, including one at the state Capitol in October. Speaking of parents balancing work and home schooling, one commented “This just isn’t plausible anymore. It’s not fair to the kids, who I am afraid aren’t getting an adequate education…Something needs to change. It is not working, and our kids are the sacrifices.” The Washington Times seconds Jeanne’s points in a blunt — and true — piece “Teachers unions continue to abuse children.”

PARENT POWER SWEEPING THE NATION. It’s not just Oregon where parents are fed up. This report on a rally in Nashville, TN held last Sunday notes a most encouraging sign. Similar rallies have been held in Michigan, Texas, Washington, Oklahoma and Oregon, among others, with many more scheduled for the rest of December. “We really feel that our kids deserve better,” said N.H., resident Amy Medling. And really — that’s the bottom line — the kids deserve better. Check out where parents have power to make changes and where more work is needed at our national Parent Power Index.

UNIONS PLAY PINOCCHIO. The excuses the unions have for keepings the schools closed, the kids at home, and not coincidentally their work days exceptionally short while receiving full pay all revolve around the bogeyman of “safety.” Many past studies have shown that open schools are safe. According to no less an expert than Dr. Robert Redfield, Director of the Center for Disease Control:

“It is critically important for our public health to open schools. CDC resources will help parents, teachers and administrators make practical, safety-focused decisions as this school year begins. “[W]e now have substantial data that shows that schools’ face-to-face learning can be conducted in K-12, and particularly in the elementary and middle schools in a safe and responsible way,”

CHICAGO TEACHERS UNION LETS THE MASK DROP. So you think the reasons parents want their kids back in school is out of concern for their learning, their well being and their futures. How naive of you. In an unbelievable tweet the Chicago Teachers Union said “The push to reopen schools is rooted in sexism, racism and misogyny.” They received such pushback that they deleted the tweet after a couple of days, but issued no retraction nor apology to the tens of thousands of parents they insulted. The Chicago school district is over 40% African American and over 45% Latino. Hardworking folks who just want quality education for their kids, labelled sexist, racist and misogynist by the union. Shame on the Chicago Teachers Union.

LOTS OF GOOD CHEER TO SPREAD. COVID tends to drive all the good news out of the spotlight — but there’s plenty to report.

Students in Kansas City public schools remain in distance learning, but charters and private schools are offering full time, in person learning, led by Genesis Charter School. Where there’s a will — and true concern for kids — there’s a way.

TIS THE SEASON TO BE…KIND. From Florida comes the story of The Villages Charter Elementary School that is emphasizing kindness to its students with a weekly kindness challenge. While “tis the season,” let’s hope this spirit lasts all year.

SCHOOLS OPEN AND KIDS LEARNING. It can be done if teachers and administrators really want to. The latest in a long list of examples is Orange County Classical Academy, a new charter school that opened its doors this fall to 360 elementary school students. Unlike LAUSD, the Academy opened on schedule with in-person instruction, compliant with all COVID mandates including wearing masks. What about safety? Out of 360 kids they only had one test positive. They’ve had zero teachers or staff test positive. If common sense instead of union bullying prevails, learning CAN take place.

EVEN BETTER THAN MEETING SANTA. How about meeting the father of our country – George Washington! On Christmas Day 1776, General George Washington’s army crossed the icy Delaware River, and over the next 10 days helped turn the tide of the American War for Independence. Join General Washington and Private Edward “Ned” Hector, a free black man serving in the Third Pennsylvania Artillery Company, for a discussion of this great victory, and the subsequent defeats at Brandywine & Germantown, where Private Hector was noted for his courage, while also exploring why Black soldiers would fight for the patriot side. All part of our “Why America?” series. Register here

It is the season for kindness, and we’re happy to share Glen Campbell’s tuneful hope that we all are moved to try a little kindness. Two people will be better off if you do. The recipient of your kindness — and you. So be kind, be safe, and as always don’t hesitate to let us know if we can be of assistance to you, your schools or your kid.

Founded in 1993, the Center for Education Reform aims to expand educational opportunities that lead to improved economic outcomes for all Americans — particularly our youth — ensuring that conditions are ripe for innovation, freedom and flexibility throughout U.S. education. We’re always delighted to hear from our readers…suggestions, questions and even the occasional complaint!

Newswire – December 1, 2020

Commentary by: The Center For Education Reform on December 1, 2020 - 7:16 pm

Tags: CER, Newswire, edreform, news

AT LAST - 2020 IS ALMOST OVER!

And as the preachers say—can we get an “Amen” to that! As this very challenging year winds down— hooray! —folks are preparing for the arrival of the jolly old fat man, and we don’t mean Burl Ives! We’re waiting on the arrival of the guy in the red velvet coat, in his sleigh powered by Rudolf and friends. In the meantime — here is an early rundown—of folks who’ve been nice—and some who’ve been naughty…some of them very naughty.

OHIO GOVERNOR DEWINE SHOULD BE HIGH ON SANTA’S “NICE” LIST. Governor Mike Dewine signed a bill that will expand Ohio’s EdChoice Program that allows students to apply for vouchers for private schools if they are in low-performing schools (the bottom 30%) or low-income districts. Ohio already ranks #8 nationally in our Parent Power Index (PPI), and this should move it up in the future .

ELECTIONS HAVE CONSEQUENCES. In the case of New Hampshire — very nice ones! Because school innovation and choice advocates achieved a majority in the Legislature last month, that majority will very likely have the state accept a $46 million grant that would double the number of charter schools in New Hampshire. Strong charter supporter Governor Chris Sununu has been a voice in the wilderness — one reason the Granite State receives a mediocre rating of #23 in our PPI. But with the new legislation, the state will use the $46 million to expand five existing schools, add locations to seven more schools and start 20 new schools to supplement the 31 existing ones — all charters. Ho, ho, ho indeed!

TEACHER UNION GRINCHES. Joe Biden has indicated that he will likely appoint a union leader as Secretary of Education. Sounds nice, but in reality could be very naughty, and very harmful to America’s kids.

Jeanne Allen explains the problems in “Forbes.”
The “Washington Times” seconds Jeanne’s points in a blunt – and true – piece “Teachers unions continue to abuse children.”
The newsletter “Daily Caller” asks a sadly relevant question: “Why Do Teachers Unions Hate Our Kids?”
Sometimes the unions go way beyond Grinchdom, as reported in “The Daily Wire” that the NEA is calling for a crackdown on charter schools and even an end to school choice for D.C.’s low income students! What cold hearts must beat inside the union grinches.

THE BIG APPLE GETS IT RIGHT – SORT OF. From Gotham comes word that New York City is reopening schools for special education students and younger grades. A nice first step –— but a baby step. Someone please bring to Mayor DeBlasio’s attention:

The study from the Texas Education Agency – “Schools Are Remarkably Safe Environments”

This very relevant question from “The Federalist” — 195 million Chinese students are in school – why aren’t our kids?” The answer by the way is because educating kids is far from the top of the unions “to do” list.

VERY NICE IN FLORIDA. To end on a most happy note, this item from the “Florida Times Union” paper, “New School Looks Like a Classic Success.” It relates the story of Jacksonville Classical Academy, a charter school only a few months old, but as the paper notes, “already has the sweet smell of success…Students smile easily. Teachers are engaging the students…a poster that reflects the school’s values: Courage. Honesty. Perseverance. Self-government. Service. Courtesy, Responsibility.” The school will eventually have 1,000 K-12 students. Not coincidentally, the Sunshine State ranks #2 in our PPI with a score of 88.5%.

It’s December — whew! One more month and we can say a not-so-fond adieu to 2020. In the meantime, a change up from our usual musical closing – this one aimed specifically at the younger set — though we think even oldsters like us will enjoy its happy feel. The December Calendar Song — be safe and remember, 2020 almost gone!

Newswire – November 24, 2020

Commentary by: The Center For Education Reform on November 24, 2020 - 3:45 pm

Tags: CER, Newswire, edreform, news

WE GATHER TOGETHER as the great hymn says, to ask for God’s blessings and also to give thanks. Hard to find those blessings in a very rough year. But even as so many have fought and struggled over all manner of things this year, there are some things that brought the potential for bountiful blessings so much closer for our children.

And so as tradition here at CER goes, here are just a couple of tidbits for which WE GIVE THANKS…

…FIRST, THAT THE PILGRIMS (the equivalent of our modern day immigrants) did indeed land on these shores, like so many other explorers before them, and despite the struggle and strife, created a foundation for freedom and religious liberty that would mark a new, and fundamentally different nation now and always, as long as we work to keep it. We hope and pray that schools seek to teach the truth, derivative of original sources and not revisionist history.

…THAT THE CAUSES EMBODIED IN THAT EVENTUAL DECLARATION IN 1776 are what allows the US to have free and open elections, to cast a vote for whomever one chooses, to fight for that candidate and to work toward a more perfect union. Listen to this brief reminder of what the founding was all about and always strive to learn what happened directly, not just what others claim it to be.

…THAT THE U.S. SUPREME COURT, which was created by the Constitution that followed the nation’s founding, was able to validate just this June, almost 250 years after it was written, that the Constitution validates the right of parents, not systems, to direct the education of their children.

…THAT THERE ARE TEACHERS WHO CONTINUE to teach full time either in-person or virtually and put their children first, above systems, above union demands to strike and above political challenges.

…AND FINALLY WE GIVE THANKS FOR THE PARENTS who are finding anyway to ensure their children learn, no matter what, and are finding out the hard way that having the power to address the individual needs of their children is the only way they, and we, will ultimately succeed as a nation.

From all of us at CER, our very best wishes for a blessed and joyous Thanksgiving. Ponder George Washington’s Prayer at Valley Forge wherever and however you gather this year. Stay Safe and God Speed.

Newswire – November 18, 2020

Commentary by: The Center For Education Reform on November 18, 2020 - 9:40 am

Tags: CER, Newswire, edreform, news

Bye, Bye Bigotry, New Pilgrims in Congress, a challenge to the President-elect and what is Thanksgiving about anyway?

Next week most of us will be celebrating Thanksgiving — safely— despite the hue and cry, and what a great time to remember why the Pilgrims came here (and NO 1619 project et al, it wasn’t to start a slave nation). Just so happens that these 400 years later the themes are still alive — and need our attention.

FREEDOM FROM RELIGIOUS BIGOTRY. That’s precisely the issue at the heart of the recent US Supreme Court Decision, Espinoza v. Montana Department of Revenue, and a parent’s right to direct the education of their child no matter where they choose to send them. That pathbreaking decision paves the way for more education opportunity for all kids and the beginning of the end of the bigoted Blaine Amendment. To help that along we’ve released an in depth analysis authored by Kirkland and Ellis partner and former Solicitor General Paul Clement which shows the way to remove the stain of religious discrimination from the 37 state constitutions which still have them. Help us put the final nail in the Blaine coffin and bring educational opportunity to all kids, regardless of their religion. Let us know if you want to be a part of this great opportunity!

NEW CHOICE PILGRIMS WIN AT BALLOT BOX. The uniquely Democratic Republic which had its infancy in the Mayflower Compact yielded some great winners this year in the states. Here’s just a couple:

From the second highest ranking state on the “Parent Power Index” comes state Representative Byron Donalds, “Congressman-elect” from the Fort Myers, FL’s 19th District. The advocate for quality education and education freedom is sure to brighten and enlighten his new colleagues.
A double dose of encouragement comes from the Tar Heel State, where choice advocate Catherine Truitt was elected Superintendent of Schools, because she championed freedom, flexibility and excellence! Another friend of common sense education efforts is Mark Robinson, who is now North Carolina’s first black Lieutenant Governor. Huzzah!

No matter who won elections in your state, do you know where your state stands In the battle for parent power and enabling charter schools? The answers are just one click away in our Parent Power Index and National Charter School Law Ranking and Scorecard.

JOIN US LIVE ON PLYMOUTH ROCK. We’re not just making this stuff up. For over 400 years we have celebrated Thanksgiving, but understanding its origins and how it foresaw the beginnings of peaceful assembly is critical to any understanding of US history. Beat the revisionist history making its way into your schools and join us this THURSDAY at 4 PM for the 7th Session of CER’s Why America? Teacher Enrichment Effort which will feature historical interpreters and experts on the ground at Plymouth Rock! Interactive discussion, teacher tools to inspire students, and bring your students, too! Register here!

Participation in our “Why America?” series gives you access to our Master Teacher Recognition Program and Professional Development Credentials. Registration is a snap – reward yourself!

MR. BIDEN: THEY CAME FOR LEADERSHIP, TOO. For much of his career, the President-elect was supportive of “real, if modest” education reform. But when the union endorsed Joe Biden, the tables turned. As The Wall Street Journal reports, the head of a teachers union may be his pick for Secretary of Education. That’s not leadership. Come on, Senator. Don’t play that game. As our Jeanne Allen told the Journal, doing that “would be the biggest union payback since Jimmy Carter created the Department of Education in 1979…and a sign that the teachers unions now own him lock, stock and barrel.”

AND NOW FOR THIS WEEK’S SONG…. We are confident that eventually COVID will eventually be over. In the meantime, we take hope in the tuneful advice of our favorite curly haired redhead that the sun will come out tomorrow. And as always – don’t hesitate to let us know if we can be of assistance to you, your schools or your kids.

Newswire – November 11, 2020

Commentary by: The Center For Education Reform on November 11, 2020 - 10:27 am

Tags: CER, Newswire, edreform, news

CER Special Newswire

Amidst the battles still raging across the nation in the aftermath of the Elections, the historic words enunciated by President Lincoln in his second Inaugural Address in 1865 seem most apropos.

“With malice toward none; with charity for all;
With firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in;
To bind up the nation’s wounds; to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan—to do all which may achieve and cherish a just, and a lasting peace among ourselves…”

I wonder how many of us have ever read them, have ever studied their cause and origins, other than (maybe) just knowing there was a Civil War. It was a time of distrust, rancor, stereotyping and yes, even hatred — like today. So now the election appears to be over, but how might the distrust and vitriol that has so infected our civic life of late recede? It turns out that history is our guide, our history, one that is rarely taught, dissected or relished. MORE…

Make History Come alive for your kids — Learn more

In the midst of all the shouting about the election…let’s not forget those who made it possible for us to do the shouting and do the voting — men and women in uniform.

Newswire – November 3, 2020

Commentary by: The Center For Education Reform on November 2, 2020 - 9:13 pm

Tags: CER, Newswire, edreform, news

Election Day 2020 – What a Year!

Dear Friends –

While I have become accustomed over the past 27 years to incredibly busy weeks, and months, I think most of you would agree that these last several have beat them all.

Beginning with COVID-19’s introduction to the US, like many of you we have sat at our desks and worked across Zoom extended hours every day. For our part, we’ve spent our time relentlessly pushing and prodding the greater public to embrace Education Opportunity, which we believe should be our primary National Security interest.

Money must follow children and fund family choices. That concept has gained unprecedented steam as the enormous deficiencies of the traditional public education system are on full display.

But opponents of transformational change — who seem to have an unending reserve of money and time — have been even more brash and rude in their attacks this year.

So we must do what works — bypass them and take our message and our work to the people, who want and need encouragement and support to change what is happening.

Yes, the election is upon us. But we’ve been through many of them. And we know students all over the country need you, and us, and our colleagues to revolutionize education. Our work will continue toward that goal — no matter what.

So before you turn all your attention back to the crazy, exciting and nerve wracking final coverage of the 2020 election, please take a moment to check out our Fall 2020 Occasional Letter to Friends, linked here.

Peace, today and always.

Jeanne Allen

Newswire – October 27, 2020

Commentary by: The Center For Education Reform on October 27, 2020 - 4:01 pm

Tags: CER, Newswire, edreform, news

This week in 1993…Ignoring the science…and what the election of 1800 has to do with anything… and more this week in newswire.

While we were setting up shop in 1993 and preparing our first “Monthly Letter to Friends,” “The Beverly Hillbillies” was the #1 movie and Billy Joel’s “River of Dreams” was the #1 song.

Who knew we’d be talking about the same thing all these years later! We’ve not hit true opportunity oil for all yet, but we had crossed the river for kids who were accessing multiple options and learning approaches, until Covid hit. Now we’re swimming upstream against the data and leaving kids out in the middle of night. All because….WHY exactly? Because the decisions of bureaucrats are more important than parents? Read and see if you think it makes any sense.

FAILING TO LEARN SCIENCE! It’s not just our kids who lack proficiency in science. Clearly so do our policymakers, who would rather listen to fear than science. Parents desperately want schools open and the choice to send their kids to a school that is working for them NOW, physical, virtual, pod or some combination! The union bosses say no — no to in-person, no to full-time virtual, no to money going to parents to help, just NO.

The data reveals devastating effects on poor kids, in particular. And all kids are emotionally being impacted. Joseph Allen of Harvard’s TH Chan School of Public Health writes: “The consequences are devastating. We have virtual dropouts. We have major school districts in the U.S. where a third of the kids are not logging in every day. This spring, right here in Boston, 10,000 high school kids didn’t log in at all in the month of May. Kids are less social, and the learning is different. According to UNICEF, kids in school are less likely to suffer from abuse, neglect, exploitation, and violence. Over 30 million kids rely on schools for nutrition, so there are food-security issues. There’s a risk from COVID, but that can be managed in the classroom.”

The latest in a long line of studies confirming the safety of opening schools was highlighted by National Public Radio just this week citing “two new international studies [which] show no consistent relationship between in-person K-12 schooling and the spread of the coronavirus.”

Sadly, there also is no consistent relationship between teachers unions and what’s best for students.

WHO IS DOING IT WELL? Boston, Chicago or right here in DC it doesn’t take very much effort to find a jewel who has figured out how to do education for all of its students. How is DC’s Friendship Public Charter Schools managing to offer both options and doing it so well? Look at this video, then ask why systems with billions of dollars aren’t following suit. (Hint: it starts with a U and ends with POLITICIAN).

WE DON’T NEED NO EDUCATION. Unions in Chicago and Washington, D.C. are bullying city officials into complying with their dictates. As unions in DC are rallying, they are all too happy to comply. “We cannot risk the entire system on a half-baked plan in the dark,” said District of Columbia Councilmember Robert White Jr. Half-baked? Dark?

Criticizing the district for even suggesting they try a hybrid approach, a leader in the Chicago Teachers Union claims their boycott of in-person (and all day virtual) teaching is because of kids. “Our youngest and most medically vulnerable students deserve safety,” said CTU Vice President Stacy Davis Gates on Friday. But the district’s Emily Bolton pointed out that, “while the district is doing everything in its power to plan for all possible scenarios, the CTU refuses to even discuss a return to in-person learning, even as hundreds of private schools in Chicago are open…We don’t know what the health situation will be in a couple of weeks’ time, but it would be irresponsible not to plan ahead while thousands of students miss out on valuable learning.” Ah, Learning. Maybe someone needs to remind our union friends about the point of school.

FRONT PAGE NEWS MAY BE ALL ABOUT THE ELECTION… but we’re doing our best to take the facts to the people directly. In Forbes CER’s Jeanne Allen explains how nonsensical school mandates continue to frustrate the best efforts of parents to keep their kids learning by issuing edicts that indefinitely delay school openings, and acquiescing to unions and school boards who have no science to back up their restrictions. At the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review Triblive.com CER’s the reality that “great schools come about only when parents have power” is front and center. Don’t believe us? Check out CER’s state-by-state Parent Power Index. It’s no secret that states doing better educating kids, now and before, have the policies in place that allow the flexibility schools and parents need to be engaged.

ELECTION DAY – and BEYOND. Next week we’ll be giving you Tuesday off so you can think about, opine and cavetch about the election. We’ll be back Wednesday with some observations to take us through another exciting year in this great country we call the United States of America! And just like we’ve been saying for years, (if you haven’t already) go VOTE! But for God’s sakes’ be informed about what you’re voting for! While many think the idea of getting out the vote is new, we’ve been doing this since our inception. The Voter Guide here and pictured is from our archives, and its purpose is as relevant today as ever. While we don’t have one for you this year (there’s simply enough stuff out there today!) be informed about your candidates and then, when they win, about how they act. It’s never too late to hold them accountable for their education views. And in case you thought this was the only election with division and strife, watch this.

Autumn is already a month old, and rain is falling in many parts of the country. Our hope for you is that the rain that falls on you is always gentle. Whatever the precipitation in your neighborhood, turn up your speakers, put on your dancing shoes and enjoy the amazing Barbara Harris and the Toys singing “How Gentle Is the Rain”, aka the Lovers Concerto. Their original hit of this J.S. Bach melody was in 1965. The video is from 2016 – when Harris was 71.

Newswire – October 20, 2020

Commentary by: The Center For Education Reform on October 20, 2020 - 3:31 pm

Tags: CER, Newswire, edreform, news

In 1993, Jurassic Park, a blockbuster enterprise that transformed entertainment, emerged in Hollywood. At the same time, an organization with the goal to transform education emerged in America. Coincidence?

WHAT HAVE WE BEEN DOING ALL THESE YEARS? Each week we will be counting back the years and sharing one thing we did — with the support of so many of you — to help bring us closer to our shared vision of a nation that enables broad and lasting quality educational opportunities that secure the freedom and future prosperity of all citizens.

26. In our 26th year CER inaugurated our acclaimed Why America? program; because, as E.D. Hirsch says, you cannot love what you do not know. Now a semester — long program jam packed with interactive seminars with renowned Constitutional experts and authorities on civics, a Master Teacher Recognition Program, continuing education credits, and a personalized learning history contest for students. Teachers can join our next webinar on October 29th about Finding Hope in America’s Story During Troubled Times. Can’t wait? Join our partners at the National Humanities Center TONIGHT for “The Election of 1860,” and explore just how frayed the nation’s political system had become after a decade of uninterrupted sectional turmoil, and its lessons/warnings for today. Session starts at 6:45PM EDT.

STUDENTS SUE FOR CIVICS. From Rhode Island comes a good news/bad news/good news item. Good news — public school students there filed a suit against the state claiming their constitutional rights had been violated by the lack of quality civics education. Bad news — the judge ruled against them because of lack of jurisdiction. Good news — in doing so he gave the education establishment a well deserved slap upside the head, saying the students’ suit “highlights a deep flaw in our national education priorities and policies.”

SPEAKING OF STATES… American School and University magazine published the results of the CER Parent Power Index, highlighting the ten best states for empowering parents to direct their kids’ education. Unsurprisingly, Rhode Island was not in the top 10. In fact it is #27, with an overall score of 64.9%.That’s a failing grade in any school!

WHEN GOOD THINGS HAPPEN TO GOOD PEOPLE. Kudos to one of CER’s favorite collaborators and all around good-guy Nate Davis, CEO of leading online curricula and schooling provider K12, who was named a 2020 Innovator of Color at the ASU+GSV Summit. Nate and K12 have been literally indispensable in helping families deal with their kid’s education during the COVID crisis. Congrats Nate!

REDLINING IS RACIST – IN LENDING AND SCHOOLING. A long accepted fact is that the practice of “redlining” has long been used to keep equal opportunity from reaching all segments of society. In lending it was used to deny loans or charge higher interest rates on loans to people of color. Happily that practice is illegal. But in education, it is not illegal to “redline” students into zip codes for a similar purpose — denying quality education to kids — usually of color and economically disadvantaged. Derrell Bradford, executive Vice President of 50can lays bare this insidious process in a powerful video. In his words, “All kids deserve a high quality education regardless of their address.”You are singing our song!

UNIONS PUNISH KIDS – AGAIN. We don’t believe in beating a dead horse, but sadly this horse — teachers unions putting the welfare of students at the bottom of their “to do” list — is alive and kicking. Unfortunately it is kicking those who least deserve it – America’s students. An insightful analysis published by the 74 shows that students lose learning even during brief school closures such as snow days, and that the harm from COVID closures will be multiplied many times. Showing disdain for these facts and downright hostility toward the welfare of their students Boston teachers sued to avoid going back to the classroom.

We hope you and yours are safe and sound, and that you are able to see some of the autumn color in your local trees. To help, and maybe help to relax a bit, here’s the King — as in Nat Cole, serenading you with his version of Autumn Leaves. And as always — let us know if we can be of assistance to you or your school.

Newswire – September 30, 2020

Commentary by: The Center For Education Reform on September 30, 2020 - 2:59 pm

Tags: CER, Newswire, edreform, news

THE NEW EDUCATION RENAISSANCE

“I believe you and your team tapped into something extremely powerful which is often overlooked at other events. You involved a number of the US and Italian community members, in addition to the diaspora and those with Italian heritage, as leverage to drive the conversation way beyond education and innovation and into something much deeper and into discussions of a more existential nature about what it is we are actually trying to achieve right now.”

Welcome to a special CER Newswire, covering highlights of last week’s US- Italia Ed Innovation Festival in Ercolano, Italy. It’s hard to believe that just a week ago, we gathered for the first-ever global EdTech festival in Italy, to bring about the kind of Educational Renaissance that today’s challenges require. A few highlights showing the incredible convergence of the innovators gathered there, here and everywhere awaits you, as does an ever growing video gallery which is ready for your viewing pleasure!

ERCOLANO COMES ALIVE! VIRTUAL TRANSPORT TO A CITY ONCE BURIED UNDER THE ASHES OF MT. VESUVIUS. Our first session took us back almost 2,100 years to the eruption of Vesuvius. With the guidance of Marco Cappellini, co-founder & CEO of Centrica, we saw what digital technologies, AR, MR and VR can do to make history come alive. Earlier that week, educator and VR practitioner Michael McDonald, took students from Hawaii to Italy and beyond for a virtual reality simulation tour of Ercolano! Not only did these tours show students and teachers a new city, but it also illuminated the way technology can shape and broaden learning for all regardless of where you are located! You can view these videos here.

IMPOSSIBLE? Nope, we are intrepid! Just a few months ago, amidst all the complications surrounding COVID-19, there was no certainty that the event, which was intended to bring edtech innovators and education revolutionaries across the globe together to uncover and connect with technologies and innovative practices that will broaden the horizon of learning, teaching and career across the globe, could possibly happen. However, after many consulate calls and collaborative meetings with our partners in Bella Italia, we were able to pull this off after all and just weeks later, a small group of education pioneers and participants found themselves just steps away from Mt. Vesuvius in the beautiful town of Ercolano, while the rest of the speakers, participants, teachers and students joined in virtually from around the world.

As educator and VR practitioner Michael McDonald puts it: “The energy which surrounded the event really did make it feel like we were contributing to verbalizing what might spark that much-needed renaissance which you spoke so often about, and the inspiring talks and pertinent questions asked really added more fuel to my already burning desire to stamp a positive mark on the world.” We couldn’t have said it better ourselves.

HOW LIVING IN A PANDEMIC IS CONNECTING MINDS ACROSS THE GLOBE. “A school is a place students learn, but they learn from the environment as much as the curriculum. Ours is a school that is globally connected, and students will have constant lessons,” Chris Whittle, Chairman and CEO of Whittle School and Studios says as he talked about re-imagining education as a global institution.

Italian-Americans were over-represented at the event, an intentional and natural consequence of the adventurous and entrepreneurial mindset that infects those of us with that heritage, especially! Take the amazing Carol D’Amico of Strada, Antonio Roca of Academica Virtual Education and Nate Davis, (Italian by passion!) the CEO of K12 Inc. whose leadership is driving boundless changes in education. Without their organizations, COVID’s impact would have been even more disastrous. “Technology transports learning. It makes our world smaller, it connects us. School does not have to end locally, it can expand.” This theme would be repeated and demonstrated over and over again.

Can a US edtech company solve Italy’s challenges? No matter where you are, said Newsela’s Lyman Missimer, you can and must establish equity and accessibility. That is the mission of education.

DUAL COUNTRY DIPLOMAS? Certo! By leveraging 21st century technology the Academica International Dual Diploma program makes it possible for thousands of students around the world to obtain a fully accredited U.S. high school diploma from their home country. Using technology

and its digital platform, over 12,000 students from 11 countries are acquiring skills for the workplace of the future. Richard Collins (pictured here) & Kay Scettro came down from Verona to share their novel program, and quickly gained new outlets.

THE EDUCATIONAL LANDSCAPE ON A GLOBAL SCALE. The disruption caused by COVID revealed the limits and weaknesses of education systems around the world. Schools in Italy had to adapt and rely on technology that wasn’t widely available and move fast to get teachers trained. A panel of Maieutical Labs Co-Founder Adriano Allora, Ingenium Education CEO Daniele Denti and computer science engineer and high school teacher Paolo Tealdi was moderated by Zanichelli Venture director Enrico Poli. Poli tells Italian educators and edtech leaders, “we are missing trust from our students — we need to give our students trust in the future and in our education system in Italy. Possibly then we can be competitive with the US.”

Because the Italian Ministry of Education accelerated their transition from paper to digital assessments some years ago, they were able to judge the effect of COVID19 on learning loss quicker than many of their global colleagues. INVALSI CEO Roberto Ricci and TAO Testing CEO Marc Oswald explored what measures the country has and is adopting for fall 2020 to track COVID19 learning loss. In the panel US & Italian Breakthroughs for Career Success, Jamey Heit, Co-Founder CEO of Ecree , Inc. explains that even before COVID, the way the United States was teaching [writing] wasn’t working and we must trust and embrace technology: “the opportunity to recognize the shortcomings gives us the opportunity to make education better.”

WHAT ABOUT THE FUTURE OF WORK? The pandemic has accelerated the need for students to have sets of business and digital skills.” The future of work has become the present of work”, says Matt Sigelman of CEO, Burning Glass Technologies (another paisano!). In a world where more jobs are hybrids, mixing and matching skills from different fields, students need not only the core academic foundations Italian and US universities have had for years, they need to acquire future skills. Moderated by Ulrik Christensen , CEO of Area9 Group, (pictured here), a group of cutting-edge pioneers reshape the way we think about higher education to prepare students for the jobs of tomorrow and bridge the gap between university and career. “We will see if this (online education, global crisis) is a reset for education — or will this too pass?” asks Carol D’Amico, Executive VP of Strada Education Network.

COVID NECESSITATES INNOVATION. Most folks not wedded to the education establishment realize that innovation — while always essential for school success — is even more important now with the changes necessary to deal with COVID. Minerva founder and CEO Ben Nelson and GSV Founder and CEO Michael Moe emphasized, and re-emphasized, that innovation is absolutely necessary today — and into the future — and those concerned with providing cutting edge education must, not should but must, embrace it. Rewatch this powerful discussion.

SHE WALKS THE WALK, as well as talks the talk, is a fitting introduction to our speaker who closed out day two. Former Democrat U.S. Senator from Louisiana Mary Landrieu shared with Donald Hense , founder of Friendship Public Charter Schools very frank and unfiltered opinions — formed by decades of experience in the political rough and tumble — on what it takes to enact meaningful educational change in places like D.C., Louisiana and elsewhere around the world. This is one strong lady.

PREPARING STUDENTS TO WORK. Former U.S. Secretary of Education Rod Paige conducted an in depth discussion with business executive and workforce development expert — and his wife — Stephanie Nellons Paige, on the absolute necessity of collaborating with educators and industry to prepare the workforce of the future. We need to make certain that our education system is not graduating human equivalents of the eight track tape deck.

SHARK TANK! FISHING FOR INVESTMENT TREND INSIGHTS, INNOVATOR SECRETS AND START-UP PITCHES: A not to be missed recap of this event will be up on our website soon, and features EdTech giants like Isabelle Hau, and Andre Bennin who shared some of their investor secrets and insights on cross-generational solutions for online learning after listening to various start-up pitches the Festival-StartED Accelerator co-sponsored Shark Tank, followed by a review of investment trends. “At the end of the day, investment is about efficacy and whether solutions are designed to provide access, remove friction, and ultimately make students successful,” said George Straschnov, Managing Director of Bisk Ventures. Imaginable Futures Venture partner Vinice Davis looks for comprehensive solutions. For her, “helping children build networks & connections in school is equally important as academics.”

“It’s our responsibility to make sure that if a worker, frontline employee, or student raises their hand and says, ‘I want to get better,’ that they can.” –@samcaucci (Founder and CEO at 1Huddle)

DESTINY IS NOT…WELL…DESTINY. In both Italy and the U.S. access to great education is still too much determined by zip code, gender, socioeconomic class and race. Moderated by Janine Walker-Caffrey, a high-powered panel of Scott Bess, Purdue Polytechnic High School Head of School; Lorenzo Cesaretti, CEO of Talent SRL; Nick Paradiso, VP of government relations and partner services for National Heritage Academies; Scott Barron, Founder and Chief Reinvention Officer for School Growth LLC; and Fiorenza Quercioli , language resource specialist at Stanford University – Bing Overseas Study Center in Florence took on the challenge of how to change that paradigm. The answer is innovation, innovation and more innovation…if the education bosses will let it happen.

WHY ITALY? As Jeanne Allen, CER’s visionary founder spoke about in her opening remarks, it’s the cradle of civilization, where the very first kind of technologies — in science, art and invention — converged to give us services, conveniences and beauty that still touch our lives (think plumbing, among other things). And it’s where the pursuit of knowledge gave way to the study of history, and ultimately the Renaissance.

We seek a new Education Renaissance that once again ensures knowledge is paramount, ensuring that all may access the future.

Leaders throughout Italy, including The Mayor of Naples, numerous and business leaders have thanked us for our “investment” in the education and career futures of the people of Italy, and were grateful we made the extra effort to convene despite the conditions and the discouragement of travel along the way!

We are incredibly grateful for our sponsors Academica, Area9 Lyceum, Minerva, Novotech, Strada Education Network, Texas Central, Majnoni Guicciardini Wines and partners Edmaven, Fondazione Ente Ville Vesuviane, Zanichelli Venture, StartEd, Edtech Week for making this all possible.

Articulating it better than we could ourselves, we share what this one partner said of the experience and look forward to the next time we can come together: “Years from now we will think back on this Covid-infested time and remind each other of this wonderful event, the on-line and unthinkable in-person presentations, we will remember our hosts running around the room checking and rechecking connections around the globe, the pizzette at the buffet table, the mysterious beauty of the venue location, the roller coaster excitement of the shuttle, the proximity of our accommodations to Castel dell’Ovo, the ubiquitous firecrackers, but above all we will remember the people we met, all these people who are dedicating their time and expertise to making the world a better place by employing digital technology in educational infrastructures of every sort.”

Newswire – September 22, 2020

Commentary by: The Center For Education Reform on September 22, 2020 - 8:57 am

Tags: CER, Newswire, edreform, news

Buongiorno! CER is proud to bring you greetings from Italia where this week we kicked off the U.S. Italia Education Innovation Festival. There are still two days of speakers, panels, and plenty of Mediterranean sunshine for you all!

ERCOLANO COMES ALIVE! If you didn’t register you missed what some early rising 5th and 6th graders were able to experience. All participants were transported to Ercolano which was buried beneath 16 meters of ash and mud during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Just imagine the knowledge and learning that students around the world gained by “entering this site.” From science to geography to history, education that is delivered with state of the art technology is education that is accessible to everyone. Marco Cappellini, CEO and Co-Founder, of Centrica and Michael McDonald, the Founder of Gold Lotus Technology presented the technology behind this phenomenal journey.

TODAY. You can still join us to take in the inspirational talks and vista of the Mediterranean Sea. Live at 11 AM EDT, students, teachers and just plain people can SEE where Mt. Vesuvius once erupted and left enough land to build entire “new” cities on, where kings once defended their land, and learn of the art that inspired civilizations. The potential to see it all virtually is extraordinary! JOIN US AT THIS EASY ZOOM LINK for the day at this event!

CULTURE! CULTURE! CULTURE! Who among us ever gets our fill of culture. Alberto Bonisoli former Minister of Culture fulfilled our opening day needs with a talk on the meeting of 21st century job requirements and the higher education challenges that exist even here!

JOBS! JOBS! JOBS! Hybrids, mixing and matching skills from different fields are all challenges to antiquated ways of learning and the ways employers find talent. The education sector must reinvent learning in ways that will ultimately strengthen the relationships between universities, students, and employers to meet these critical skills challenges. The Future of Work, and Skills, Not Jobs: Higher Education and the Future of Work were the topics yesterday. Experts such as Ulrik Christensen , CEO, Area9 Group. Matt Sigelman, CEO, Burning Glass Technologies, Carol D’Amico, Executive Vice President, Strada Education Network, Lisa Dawley Ph.D., Executive Director, Jacobs Institute for Innovation in Education, University of San Diego and Co-Inventor of Pactful, Marco Gilli, Professor of Electrical Engineering, Politecnico di Torino joined us for a fascinating discussion.

COVID-19 still looms large and Roberto Ricci, CEO, INVALSI and, Marc Oswald, CEO, TAO Testing took us through the latest on the pandemic.

FALL IS HERE and Nate Davis, CEO and Chairman of the Board of Directors, K12 Inc. and Antonio Roca, Managing Director, Academica Virtual closed out our day with a fireside chat discussing online learning/virtual learning! “Technology transports learning. It makes our world smaller, it connects us. School does not have to end locally, it can expand.” An exciting close to our first day in Italy. Viva Italia!

DO YOU KNOW WHERE YOUR STATE RANKS in having effective charter school laws? That information is just one click away in CER’s new National Charter Schools Law Rankings And Scorecard 2020. There’s good, bad, and ugly among the rankings, but here’s your chance to keep your state charter-friendly or find out what needs to change to make it so.

Labor Day is fading fast in the rear view mirror, the stores have Halloween and Thanksgiving items stocked…there can be no doubt that whether remote, in person or hybrid, “school days” are upon us. Here’s the amazing Chuck Berry with his unique musical take on School Days. Hope it brings a smile. And as always, let us know if there is any way we can help you, your kids or your school.

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