A Calendar, a Plan and Friends Can Make Unexpected School Closures Rewarding and Productive for Your Kids

Although only a handful of schools and districts have so far closed in the U.S. due to COVID-19, other countries—like Ireland and El Salvador—have closed their entire national school systems in an effort to slow the spread of the virus. If more states and districts here take that step, how can parents manage?…

We Can Unify and Win Better Schools for Our Kids. Here’s How.

During my 33-year journey in public education, I’ve repeatedly experienced the power of unity in achieving desired student outcomes, especially since founding a charter public…

Lakisha Young Talks About How Oakland Is Tackling the Reading Crisis

Lakisha Young is the executive director of The Oakland REACH. Her work began through witnessing the disparities faced by Black and Brown students, including members…

This Mom and Her Three Kids Graduated College With Support From Their Charter School

When my oldest daughter, Nayeri, started at YES Prep Southeast in Houston, it was hard to leave her old school and her friends. It was…

National Parents Union Emerges to Disrupt Education Conversation

When it comes to education news and policy, we are used to hearing about the involvement of a union. However, typically the unions only represent…

In a Season of Gratitude, I’m Thankful for Our ‘Village’

It was late August, and suddenly, the moment I’d been anticipating for years had arrived. My husband and I were dropping off our baby, Nyanja,…

There’s a Face Off Between Parents and Presidential Candidates, And It’s Way Bigger Than Charter Schools

In the words of the late, great Notorious B.I.G., “I’m going, going, back, back to Cali, Cali.” A year ago I told y’all a national…

Want More Student Activism? Be Ready to Listen.

The weeks preceding the holidays are busy for any school principal. There are evaluations to be completed and parent events that require attention. Yet, in…

A Teacher Asked About My Child’s Hopes and Dreams and It Changed Everything

As a child in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, I did not have a good experience in school. My teachers did not understand my ADHD, and I…

Here’s How Cutting-Edge Charter School Leaders of Color Engage Families for Student Success

For decades, parents and charter school administrators have cultivated best practices to build inclusive, welcoming and student-centered school communities across the country. From single-site schools…