Tuesday, October 5, 2021

School Choice and School Quality

 Dr. Lisa Karmacharya, Executive Director of Mississippi Charter School Authorizer Board, penned this guest column.

 After several iterations of charter related law, the Mississippi Legislature enacted the Mississippi Charter Schools Act of 2013, which established a charter school oversight board to authorize high-quality charter schools that expand opportunities for underserved students and increase access to excellent public schools.


Mississippi is ranked No. 6 in the nation by the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools for its charter school law. This leaves little doubt the legislature made solid decisions when crafting the legislation. Those decisions guided founding board members of Mississippi Charter School Authorizer Board (MCSAB) when they developed practices and policies that would ensure a strong foundation was in place to carry out the work of the authorizer. That work continues today.

As a relatively young charter sector, Mississippi has been positioned to learn from others who began their journey into the public charter school world much earlier. The nation’s first public charter school opened in 1992. The MCSAB has taken advantage of lessons learned early in the charter movement and has intentionally authorized only those operators who provide evaluators with a compelling application that clearly demonstrates their ability to provide children with access to high quality academic experiences and establish standards of excellence in organizational and
fiscal management.

Mississippi’s charter law clearly outlines and describes the components that must be included in the request for proposal. Those requirements include everything from the vision and mission of the school, the school’s model, plans for student recruitment and discipline, how it will identify and successfully serve students with special needs, parent involvement strategies, a five-year budget and the disclosure of any potential conflicts of interest. This is not an easy task, nor should it be.

Operators who are offered a contract to open and operate a public charter school in Mississippi are engaging in the charter bargain: autonomy for accountability. The MCSAB entrusts the leadership of the operator with public money and the lives of children. Both demand high levels of confidence before a charter can be granted. Throughout the application cycle, applicants are provided with ongoing and on-demand technical assistance, guidance and a chance to participate in a mock capacity interview. Applicants who choose to take advantage of these opportunities place themselves in a better position to earn the approval of the board, but participation does not guarantee the
application’s quality or acceptance. Applicants must do more than demonstrate on paper their ambitious and sincere goals to serve children. They must demonstrate the capacity to lead, develop, organize, plan, operate and execute their goals in a way that brings their vision to reality.

Since the charter law passed in 2013, seven charter schools have opened in Mississippi and two more will open in fall 2022. Some charter advocates criticize the MSCAB for not approving more applicants, but the charter law is grounded in quality, not quantity. Mississippi’s seven –and soon to be nine – charter schools are providing the parents in their communities with a high-quality public-school option for their children. We are growing our charter sector at a deliberate pace to ensure every school that opens is strong and successful.

Mississippi’s charter law was designed so our state would not be in the same position as Arizona, which opened 200 charter schools in six years only to see 100 close. The MCSAB and charter school leaders and advocates share the common goal of improving the lives of children and offering options for families. We each play a role in attracting, recruiting and supporting potential leaders and high-quality operators. When opportunities to grow the charter sector come, MCSAB will be in a position to approve innovative, creative, high-performing schools that will flourish throughout the great state of Mississippi.

Dr. Lisa Karmacharya Executive Director, Mississippi Charter School Authorizer Board NACSA Academic Performance Framework Reviewer & Member of NACSA Leaders 9ᵗʰ Cohort


 

15 comments:

Anonymous said...

I just want to know who decided to name it the "Authorizer Board" instead of the "Authorization Board." Someone semi-literate, perhaps? If the Legislature came up with the name, that would explain it.

Anonymous said...

24 comments on a closed Asian eatery and NONE on a school choice article. Telling.

Anonymous said...

3:59, perhaps school choice is a dumb idea for many reasons. Why not just apply the rules of charter schools to the public schools? The concept that competition from a charter school will motivate a failing public school to "do better" is ridiculous.

Anonymous said...

The children that I know who transferred from JPS to a charter school are extremely happy & performing at a higher level.

Anonymous said...

Mississippi has worked to establish Charter Schools since 2011.

So far, there are 7. Two more will open next year (Canton and another addition to a North Jackson school).

Is the state being too strict with charters? Hard to hire teachers at the Charter Schools since teachers don't get the PERS.

Anonymous said...

"The concept that competition from a charter school will motivate a failing public school to "do better" is ridiculous."

Since that's not even among the top 30 reasons to develop Charter Schools, I'm left wondering why you submitted that post.

Passengers don't jump off a sinking ship to make it lighter. They jump-ship to save themselves.

Anonymous said...

Hmmmm. Mississippi has "excellent public schools"???

Not to my knowledge.

Anonymous said...

Why, when I search for Charter Schools in Mississippi, do I get 20 (mostly private and parochial schools)?

1. St Aloysius High School
Vicksburg, MS 39183

2. Porters Chapel Academy
Vicksburg, MS 39180

3. Madison-Ridgeland Academy
Madison, MS 39110

4. MIDTOWN PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL
Jackson, MS 39202

5. St. Joseph Catholic School
Madison, MS 39110

6. St. Andrew’s Episcopal School
Ridgeland, MS 39157

7. Jackson Academy
Jackson, MS 39211

8. St. Andrew's Episcopal School
Jackson, MS 39216

9. Washington School
Greenville, MS 38703

10. St Anthony Catholic School
Missing Address Data

11. Tri-County Academy
Flora, MS 39071

12. Hillcrest Christian School
Jackson, MS 39212

13. Hartfield Academy - Main Campus
Flowood, MS 39232

14. Greenville Christian School
Greenville, MS 38701

15. Park Place Christian Academy
Pearl, MS 39208

16. Central Hinds Academy
Raymond, MS 39154

17. Central Holmes Christian School
Lexington, MS 39095

18. Brookhaven Academy
Brookhaven, MS 39601

19. Clinton Christian Academy
Clinton, MS 39056

20. Mt. Salus Christian School
Clinton, MS 39056-5444

Anonymous said...

Since Charter Schools are considered "special" - they are able to hold parents and students both more accountable for their engagement and performance. At least that's the premise. Whether or not it's actually happening isn't in the article.

They should be looking at attendance rates, average grades, and failure rates. In the traditional public schools - it's already been reported in several past studies - that over 30% should likely be held back, but are "completed" regardless of actual performance because the schools need their funding. Are the Charter Schools fudging the numbers as well to stay solvent?

https://www.mdek12.org/sites/default/files/Offices/MDE/OEA/OPR/FINAL%20-%20Chronic%20Absenteeism%20Report%20-%202018.pdf

Anonymous said...

@6:38 - you need to work on your search skills - the only charter schools in your list are 9 & 4.

Anonymous said...

The best thing about charters is they can run their business like they see fit.

Got a kid who is dragging down the test scores and the parents aren't loaded? FIRED!

Got a kid who is struggling in school but the parents are loaded? That's what a charter is for! THEY CAN WORK WITH THAT- EVERYONE NEEDS A SECOND CHANCE OR FIVE!

Got a teacher with problems but they are strong on the biblical aspects of Demoncrat Socialism and watching out for the latest RWNJ fever of the week? HIRED!

Anonymous said...

Hard to hire teachers at the Charter Schools since teachers don't get the PERS.

If a teacher is seeking a job specifically to get into PERS then you don't want that teacher instructing your children.

Anonymous said...

Open 200. Close 100. Net = 91 more than we have. What does it matter if they try and have to close? I wish some failing traditional government schools could close in favor of better ones. Better to have tried and failed than to limit options.

Anonymous said...

9:25 - most teachers want a retirement plan. Hard to retire on SSI paying only $1500 a month and medicare coming out of that check @$350month (includes a dental plan). OK, so $1150 remaining. A typical mortgage/tax/ins. escrow is $900, plus auto and auto insurance, plus then you have utilities/phone/cable, plus groceries and restaurants, plus eyecare and hearing aids. Maybe a vacation week every 3-4 years.

Anonymous said...

OK, I searched for the list of charter schools again. Most seem to be in Jackson and all but one are specific grades---not whole schools:
------------------------------------
Mississippi Authorized Charter Schools

Ambition Preparatory
Kindergarten - 1st Grades
P.O. Box 68705
Jackson, MS 39286


Clarksdale Collegiate Public Charter School
Kindergarten - 2nd Grades
1012 West 2nd Street
Clarksdale, MS 38614

Leflore Legacy Academy, operated by MS Delta Academies
Sixth Grade
500 W Washington Street
Greenwood, MS 38930

Midtown Public Charter School, operated by Midtown Partners, Inc.
5th - 8th Grades
301 Adelle Stree
Jackson, MS 39202

Reimagine Prep, operated by RePublic Schools, Inc.
5th - 8th Grades
309 W. McDowell Road
Jackson, MS 39204

Smilow Collegiate, operated by RePublic Schools, Inc.
Kindergarten - 2nd Grades
787 E. Northside Drive
Jackson, MS 39206

Smilow Prep, operated by RePublic Schools, Inc.
5th - 7th Grades
787 E. Northside Drive
Jackson, MS 39206



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Trollfest '07 was such a success that Jackson Jambalaya will once again host Trollfest '09. Catch this great event which will leave NE Jackson & Fondren in flames. Othor Cain and his band, The Black Power Structure headline the night while Sonjay Poontang returns for an encore performance. Former Frank Melton bodyguard Marcus Wright makes his premier appearance at Trollfest singing "I'm a Sweet Transvestite" from "The Rocky Horror Picture Show." Kamikaze will sing his new hit, “How I sold out to da Man.” Robbie Bell again performs: “Mamas, don't let your babies grow up to be Bells” and “Any friend of Ed Peters is a friend of mine”. After the show, Ms. Bell will autograph copies of her mug shot photos. In a salute to “Dancing with the Stars”, Ms. Bell and Hinds County District Attorney Robert Smith will dance the Wango Tango.

Wrestling returns, except this time it will be a Battle Royal with Othor Cain, Ben Allen, Kim Wade, Haley Fisackerly, Alan Lange, and “Big Cat” Donna Ladd all in the ring at the same time. The Battle Royal will be in a steel cage, no time limit, no referee, and the losers must leave town. Marshand Crisler will be the honorary referee (as it gives him a title without actually having to do anything).


Meet KIM Waaaaaade at the Entergy Tent. For five pesos, Kim will sell you a chance to win a deed to a crack house on Ridgeway Street stuffed in the Howard Industries pinata. Don't worry if the pinata is beaten to shreds, as Mr. Wade has Jose, Emmanuel, and Carlos, all illegal immigrants, available as replacements for the it. Upon leaving the Entergy tent, fig leaves will be available in case Entergy literally takes everything you have as part of its Trollfest ticket price adjustment charge.

Donna Ladd of The Jackson Free Press will give several classes on learning how to write. Smearing, writing without factchecking, and reporting only one side of a story will be covered. A donation to pay their taxes will be accepted and she will be signing copies of their former federal tax liens. Ms. Ladd will give a dramatic reading of her two award-winning essays (They received The Jackson Free Press "Best Of" awards.) "Why everything is always about me" and "Why I cover murders better than anyone else in Jackson".

In the spirit of helping those who are less fortunate, Trollfest '09 adopts a cause for which a portion of the proceeds and donations will be donated: Keeping Frank Melton in his home. The “Keep Frank Melton From Being Homeless” booth will sell chances for five dollars to pin the tail on the jackass. John Reeves has graciously volunteered to be the jackass for this honorable excursion into saving Frank's ass. What's an ass between two friends after all? If Mr. Reeves is unable to um, perform, Speaker Billy McCoy has also volunteered as when the word “jackass” was mentioned he immediately ran as fast as he could to sign up.


In order to help clean up the legal profession, Adam Kilgore of the Mississippi Bar will be giving away free, round-trip plane tickets to the North Pole where they keep their bar complaint forms (which are NOT available online). If you don't want to go to the North Pole, you can enjoy Brant Brantley's (of the Mississippi Commission on Judicial Performance) free guided tours of the quicksand field over by High Street where all complaints against judges disappear. If for some reason you are unable to control yourself, never fear; Judge Houston Patton will operate his jail where no lawyers are needed or allowed as you just sit there for minutes... hours.... months...years until he decides he is tired of you sitting in his jail. Do not think Judge Patton is a bad judge however as he plans to serve free Mad Dog 20/20 to all inmates.

Trollfest '09 is a pet-friendly event as well. Feel free to bring your dog with you and do not worry if your pet gets hungry, as employees of the Jackson Zoo will be on hand to provide some of their animals as food when it gets to be feeding time for your little loved one.

Relax at the Fox News Tent. Since there are only three blonde reporters in Jackson (being blonde is a requirement for working at Fox News), Megan and Kathryn from WAPT and Wendy from WLBT will be on loan to Fox. To gain admittance to the VIP section, bring either your Republican Party ID card or a Rebel Flag. Bringing both and a torn-up Obama yard sign will entitle you to free drinks served by Megan, Wendy, and Kathryn. Get your tickets now. Since this is an event for trolls, no ID is required. Just bring the hate. Bring the family, Trollfest '09 is for EVERYONE!!!

This is definitely a Beaver production.


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Trollfest '07

Jackson Jambalaya is the home of Trollfest '07. Catch this great event which promises to leave NE Jackson & Fondren in flames. Sonjay Poontang and his band headline the night with a special steel cage, no time limit "loser must leave town" bout between Alan Lange and "Big Cat"Donna Ladd following afterwards. Kamikaze will perform his new song F*** Bush, he's still a _____. Did I mention there was no referee? Dr. Heddy Matthias and Lori Gregory will face off in the undercard dueling with dangling participles and other um, devices. Robbie Bell will perform Her two latest songs: My Best Friends are in the Media and Mama's, Don't Let Your Babies Grow up to be George Bell. Sid Salter of The Clarion-Ledger will host "Pin the Tail on the Trial Lawyer", sponsored by State Farm.

There will be a hugging booth where in exchange for your young son, Frank Melton will give you a loooong hug. Trollfest will have a dunking booth where Muhammed the terrorist will curse you to Allah as you try to hit a target that will drop him into a vat of pig grease. However, in the true spirit of Separate But Equal, Don Imus and someone from NE Jackson will also sit in the dunking booth for an equal amount of time. Tom Head will give a reading for two hours on why he can't figure out who the hell he is. Cliff Cargill will give lessons with his .80 caliber desert eagle, using Frank Melton photos as targets. Tackleberry will be on hand for an autograph session. KIM Waaaaaade will be passing out free titles and deeds to crackhouses formerly owned by The Wood Street Players.

If you get tired come relax at the Fox News Tent. To gain admittance to the VIP section, bring either your Republican Party ID card or a Rebel Flag. Bringing both will entitle you to free drinks.Get your tickets now. Since this is an event for trolls, no ID is required, just bring the hate. Bring the family, Trollfest '07 is for EVERYONE!!!

This is definitely a Beaver production.

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