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Month: January 2018

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Association Blog Charters Changing Lives

BASIS Chandler student’s values help her rise to the top

By Jamar Younger

Kaylah Rose Yazzie has no problem adapting to change.

As the daughter of a former active duty U.S. Air Force officer, Kaylah spent the early years of her childhood moving across the globe, living as far away as Alaska and Japan.

So, when she arrived at BASIS Chandler two years ago as a burgeoning young swimmer who was looking for more of an academic challenge at a rigorous school, it was only a matter of time before she found success.

The eighth-grader has excelled as a student and an athlete, breaking three state swimming records while helping the school’s swim team win a state title last year. The 15-year-old won the gold in the 200-yard freestyle, 100-yard backstroke and 50-yard butterfly during the Canyon Athletic Association’s state meet last October.

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Association Blog

Real life provides best lessons for Imagine Tempe charter teacher

Imagine Tempe Elementary teacher Ashley Sweigert spoke to the House Education Committee on Jan. 22.

By Ashley Sweigert, Imagine Tempe Teacher

Why do I love to teach?

For me, it’s that moment when you’re with your students and they are learning something new. That moment when they are struggling with a problem, but work together as a class to figure it out. You’ll see students jump up, start collaborating with one and other, using phrases such as “well I respectfully disagree with you because” or “I respectfully agree with you because.”

I enjoy being able to step back as their facilitator and watch my students as they take ownership of their own learning. Then you’ll notice that “lightbulb go off” and they’ll raise their hands in the air saying, “Miss Sweigert! Miss Sweigert! We figured it out!”

That is why I love teaching.

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Association Blog

In school choice discussion, parent voices matter the most

By Jamar Younger

Arizona parents continue to demand education freedom, and public charter schools serve as a growing number of those choices.

More than 185,900 students have enrolled in charter schools this year, with tens of thousands more waiting to attend schools at capacity.

Recently, a few of those parents have raised their voice in support of their school of choice. These parents wanted to remind the public that a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work when it comes to their child’s education.

Below are excerpts of opinion columns recently published in newspapers across Arizona. These stories serve as a reminder that public charter schools are a thriving sector in Arizona’s public education landscape.

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Association Blog

Minority families shouldn’t have to take a backseat when choosing quality options

By Jamar Younger

What’s the difference between forced segregation and voluntary association?

Two students recently explored this topic in a short, but poignant video created by Choice Media.

Although critics may scapegoat charters for increased segregation, supporters, including thousands of parents, will say these charters have provided increased education opportunities for minority students, particularly African-Americans in underserved areas with historically low-achieving schools.

Many will also note that this country, its neighborhoods and school systems were already deeply segregated way before the arrival of charter schools.

Besides, there’s a difference between forced segregation and choosing a school that presents the best opportunity for your student.

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Press Releases

Association Statement on Governor Ducey’s Executive Budget

Eileen B. Sigmund, President and CEO of the Arizona Charter Schools Association, released the following statement in response to Governor Ducey’s Executive Budget:

“Today, Governor Ducey released a budget proposal that reflects his commitment to K-12 education and makes crucial investments in Arizona schools, teachers and students.

“As he had promised, public education receives the lion’s share of new dollars in the Governor’s spending plan; K-12 schools would see a welcome infusion of $400 million in the coming year. That includes much needed additional resources for capital, teacher pay and other school needs.

“As Governor Ducey said earlier this week ‘we’ll never check the box on public education.’ We agree – but this spending plan takes a positive, meaningful and sustainable step toward ensuring Arizona schools and teachers have the support they need to succeed for Arizona students.

“On behalf of the Arizona Charter Schools Association, we thank Governor Ducey for his continued attention to K-12 education and building a strong coalition. As the budget process moves forward, we pledge to work with the Governor and legislators to ensure our state delivers a winning plan for Arizona students and families.”

Categories
Press Releases

Charter Association Commends Governor for Commitment to K-12 Education

Original Arizona State Capitol building at 1700 W Washington Street in Phoenix, Arizona on August 6, 2014
Governor’s State of the State Address Highlights Student Success, Promises to Maintain and Restore Funding

“Governor Ducey is right: Arizona public schools are improving. Students across our state are making significant gains in academic performance, and we are seeing real progress closing the achievement gap among students of color. I’m proud the 185,000 Arizona students attending public charter schools are setting the pace in achievement. Charter students of every racial and ethnic group have outperformed the state average for each of the past three years.

“We commend the Governor for his commitment to restore K-12 education funding and maintain investments in targeted programs, which provide stability to all of our public schools.

“As budget discussions move forward, we stand ready to assist Governor Ducey and legislators in our shared mission to bring a quality education to every Arizona student. Let’s get to work!”

-Eileen B. Sigmund, President and CEO of Arizona Charter Schools Association

 

Categories
Association Blog

ACLU misses mark, charter schools provide critical alternative

By Eileen Sigmund

The ACLU is worried about public schools with “exclusionary” enrollment policies? That’s good to know.

Because for all but the last 20 years of our state’s existence, where you went to school depended on where you lived. Affluent families could afford to buy homes in expensive neighborhoods with high-quality schools. As for everyone else, we were at the mercy of our local district school. Students stuck in failing schools had no escape.

Talk about enrollment suppression and discrimination …

Thankfully, this injustice was significantly curtailed in Arizona over the last two decades with the adoption of open enrollment policies and advent of charter schools. These were hard-fought wins, achieved over the staunch opposition of the education establishment – namely the teacher’s union and school districts.

Where has the ACLU been? Not with Arizona families fighting for access to better schools.

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