Chalkbeat

Education news. In context.

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National

Charters & Choice

dropout recovery

National
September 23, 2019

This company ran schools for dropouts across the country. Chicago is the latest district to cut ties.

Just a few years ago, EdisonLearning ran more than a dozen mostly online alternative schools targeted at former high school dropouts. Now just two are left.

DeVos in Detroit

Detroit
September 20, 2019

Betsy DeVos claims victory for choice in her first Detroit school visit since getting the top education job

DeVos, a native of western Michigan, has played a substantial role in shaping Detroit’s education landscape.

Ready or not

Detroit
September 20, 2019

Watch: These Detroit teens have big dreams and a big goal: To graduate from college

Chalkbeat Detroit and Detroit Public Television are spending the year following Detroit graduates through their first year of college.

Rules & Regs

Tennessee
Updated September 19, 2019

Tennessee fast-tracks voucher rules, but concerns resurface about testing accountability

The State Board of Education has given preliminary approval to a gamut of regulations governing the controversial program.

possible closure

Tennessee
September 18, 2019

Memphis district recommends closing Southwest Early College High School, but decision pends on board vote

On the heels of a three-week investigation, Shelby County Schools is recommending closure of a charter school affiliated with Southwest Community College.

Charter schools

Tennessee
September 18, 2019

As district readies to release investigation, embattled Memphis charter school tells a different story

With the findings of a district investigation expected this week, leaders of a Memphis charter school are working to reassure parents that the school is getting on track.

Ready or not

Detroit
September 18, 2019

‘I can do it’: How four Detroit students hope to make it through the formidable first year of college

Chalkbeat Detroit is following four Detroit high school grads to see how prepared they are for the challenges of college.

Charter Schools

Tennessee
September 17, 2019

Only one applicant meets Memphis board’s new policy for opening charter schools

The school board approved the opening of Memphis School of Excellence Elementary in Cordova next fall. At least two applicants said they plan to appeal.

Betsy Devos

Indiana
September 17, 2019

Back for more: DeVos returns to Indianapolis for a repeat visit to an innovation school

Purdue Polytechnic High School in Indianapolis, and its educational model, are once again getting attention from U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos.

Chalkbeat syllabus

Tennessee
September 16, 2019

From school vouchers to school turnaround, here are the stories we’re focusing on this year

Here are the Tennessee education stories that we plan to cover this year.

First Person

Chicago
September 16, 2019

Competitive high school admissions policies send students strong messages about their worth. Students are listening.

Parents, educators, and mentors need to talk thoughtfully with young people about competitive admissions.

2020 vision

National
September 12, 2019

How the Democratic candidates talked about charter schools and school segregation in Thursday night’s debate

The leading Democratic candidates illustrated the divide in how they think and talk about charter schools at the debate in Houston.

Try again

Colorado
September 12, 2019

State board forces Aurora district to reopen shuttered HOPE Online center

The State Board of Education once again overturned the Aurora decision to shut out HOPE Online, the multi-district online charter school.

Event

Colorado
September 12, 2019

Chalkbeat listening tour: Parents, what do you want to know about school choice?

Please join us Sept. 18 at 5:30 p.m. We want to hear your questions!

required reading

New York
September 10, 2019

Success Academy does ‘screen’ its students. It’s not in the way you might think.

Success Academy requires parents to attend pre-enrollment meetings to see if the network is a fit for their child.