Introducing the Big Think Network: A Shift from “Scaling Innovation” to Innovation at Scale
At CRPE we have a tradition of looking around the corner. We worry about problems that may be coming and contemplate new ways to get ahead of them. We posit and test systemic changes to allow families and educators to be successful. This kind of thinking has shaped our research agenda since 1993, leading us […]
We Need a More Productive Conversation About Charter Schools and Segregation
Editor’s note: This blog series examines common narratives about charter schools, separates facts from fiction, and highlights legitimate issues that must be addressed. The full series is available here. In 2009 the UCLA Civil Rights Project published a report accusing charter schools of resegregating public education. Although that charge was quickly and thoroughly refuted, critics […]
Separating Truth from Fiction as Charter Schools Transition from Shiny Theory to Gritty Reality
Long known as uncomfortable truth-tellers in education reform, the Center on Reinventing Public Education at the University of Washington Bothell has for years tracked the problems that arise as charter schools have made the transition from shiny new idea to gritty reality. For nearly 30 years charter schools have built a track record of success, […]
Don’t Neglect Districts in the Effort to Advance Portfolio from the Outside
Re:portfolio is a monthly publication of articles, news clips, and resources about the portfolio strategy for civic and education leaders. This post comes from the second edition, in which we discuss outside-in approaches for reform. If you like what you’re reading or have questions for us, we hope you’ll reach out to crpe@uw.edu. Sign up here to […]
Some Charter Schools Use Their Flexibility to Serve Students With Disabilities. Our New Report Shows How More Schools Can Do the Same.
For parents of children with disabilities, finding a school where the adults not only care about what your child needs but are capable of providing it can be life-changing. Over the past 12 months, researchers at the Center on Reinventing Public Education and the National Center for Special Education in Charter Schools fanned out across the country. […]
State Takeovers Remain a Powerful Tool for Improving Schools. States Should Not Walk Away From Them
If the debate over the value of local control in K-12 public education were a boxing match, you might say supporters of a stronger state role increasingly look to be down and out. This year, officials in Tennessee and Ohio hit the pause button on new state interventions. State takeovers in Louisiana and New Jersey have […]
Propelling Career and Technical Education in a Portfolio System
This post comes from the first edition of Re:portfolio, a publication with articles, news clips, and resources about the portfolio strategy. The strategy has its roots in the writings of CRPE founder Paul Hill, as well as what we’ve learned from civic and education leaders over the years via research projects and portfolio network meetings. […]
LeBron James’s School Drew Lots of Attention, but It Doesn’t Take an NBA Star for Districts to Forge Innovative Partnerships
Last fall, NBA star LeBron James and his foundation received a lot of attention for opening the I Promise Academy in partnership with Akron Public Schools. The school extends philanthropic work James had already been doing in his hometown. Many features of its model — a longer school year, wraparound services, family engagement and a […]
Going the Extra Mile for School Choice
For families living in neighborhoods with low-performing schools, choice-friendly policies open up an array of options. Students can seek out district or charter schools with stronger academic programs, or look for schools that match their unique interests or needs. The concept is simple, but families who want to take the school-choice route may find that […]
A Simple Recipe Needs Complex Conditions to Work
Over the past two weeks I have become obsessed with sourdough starter. My son and I diligently followed a recipe that involved smashed grapes (organic required), many fruit flies, weeks of exacting directions, special jars, and then … nothing. Bubbles, but no rise. I have since Googled every article entitled “troubleshooting sourdough starter” or “bubbles, […]