Charter schools must continue to innovate to meet the needs of students.
This was the message at the heart of the first day of the National Alliance of Public Charter Schools annual conference.
“Some worry that schools are becoming too conventional,” said Nina Rees, president of the National Alliance of Public Charter Schools during the annual conference. “We need to keep dreaming big and we need to turn those dreams into action.”
It is about finding innovative ways to educate students, offering parents a variety of public school options and giving inspired leaders the freedom to organize their schools, Rees said.George P. Bush, Commissioner of the Texas General Land Office, said it comes down to giving parents choice.
“It is about empowering parents and encouraging students,” he said.
Empowered to Dream Big – the theme of this year’s conference – was brought up in numerous speeches and seminars. But charter school leaders did not sugarcoat the fact that are challenges ahead, from education inequities, competition between district and charter schools, gaps between the rich and poor, and political polarization. But the message was clear: the charter movement should bridge those gaps.
“In the future those who are fluent in technology will thrive,” Rees said. “People who aren’t will struggle. People who can think critically about issues will succeed. People who can’t will struggle. We are preparing our students to succeed. We have the flexibility to bring new learning tools without having to clear it through bureaucracy. The flexibility to group students not just by age but by ability and interests. To offer more flexibility, to offer personalized learning.”
Rees added there are four challenges charter schools face: Making sure they remain innovative; keep growing, especially in specific areas where there are not many schools; serving more students, especially students with special needs; and defending its existing schools.
A charter alumna, Raven Osborne, spoke about her perseverance and determination to excel in education. She is the nation’s first high school graduate to earn her bachelor’s degree from Purdue University before graduating from high school, according to the NAPCS.
“Dreaming big is not the most challenging part,” she said. “The real challenge is being empowered to believe your dreams will become a reality.”
