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This is a special edition newsletter for folks interested in school news from Charlotte, NC. If you don't want to receive special edition newsletters anymore click here (you'll still receive regular newsletters)

A busy month

You'd think news would slow down once school was out, but it's been a busy month for Charlotte Education Policy! Since things have been moving at the speed of light, I wrote a round up to keep you up to date.

Superintendent Suspended?

Dr. Crystal Hill (superintendent of CMS) has been placed on paid leave pending an investigation about “confidential privileged investigation related to an employment matter.”

There is no other confirmed information, but you can read a little more here in an article that explains some criticisms of her leadership. For those of you interested in the numbers, this article breaks down her contract and how much it could cost the district if she is fired.

What does this mean for parents?

Changing superintendents doesn't make me panic. CMS is known for its commitment issues. In the 10 years I taught, there were 4 superintendents and 2 interim superintendents. I'd like to see someone actually fulfill a five year term. I think the stability would allow for better organization from top to bottom. But in the mean time, I wouldn't expect major changes if Hill ultimately leaves.

The Return of Play Based Learning

Have you every heard someone say, preschool is the new kindergarten?

In recent years, kindergarten has gotten more and more structured. In some ways this is good: it's amazing to watch students rise to the occasion. But in other ways it's bad: because children that age learn best through play + experiences. A five year old can tell you so much more by reenacting the story that filling out a worksheet.

A parent initiative called K Needs Play, appealed to CMS to eliminate screen time and incorporate 1 hour of daily play based learning into kindergarten classrooms. Incredibly- CMS has agreed to pilot the program at 7 elementary schools​

But they need your help! CMS did not allocate funding for this, so they need to raise $200k by July 1 😱 (guys that's NEXT WEEK) If this is important to you, you can donate on their website or GoFundMe.

iReady or Not?

After intense debate and lots of parent and student input, the CMS Board of Education decided to renew its iReady contract for only one year instead of two. The district will analyze its impact this year to determine if its actually improving student performance.

iReady is an app students use to measure their progress in school. Students are supposed to spend 90+ minutes a week on it. Parents in CMS and across the country (1/3 of students in the US use iReady) have raised concerns that the app is a huge time waster.

What do you think about iReady and other tech use?

Charter School Nightmare

If you've taken my workshop, then you know I'm very hesitant about charter schools in this area. Charter schools are incredibly vulnerable financially, and it's not uncommon to see them them suddenly fold or make drastic changes without warning.

For example, Charlotte Secondary School (200 students) was suddenly kicked out of its building. This means the community needs to spend valuable time and resources sourcing a new school this summer so they can start fresh in August.

There are good things happening at charter schools in Charlotte, but this story is not unique. If you plan to join a charter school, then plan to be involved and supportive to protect their mission.

You inspire me

Two of the initiatives I covered are fueled by concerned parents. I'm so inspired by parents using their voices to improve the school system. iReady just had its contract slashed in half due to organization from parents at Collinswood Language Academy and the Montessori Schools.

The K Needs Play initiative started as a conversation and rapidly became a nonprofit this spring. This wasn't started by a consulting firm- its concerned families that want the best not just for their kids, but for all the kids in Charlotte.

CMS is the 18th largest school district in the country. Charlotte is the 14th largest city in the country. When we make moves- the nation is watching! If you're passionate about education, I urge you to get involved. Your work could change lives.

Stay involved with Primary Focus

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Wow it's been a busy month!!

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Have a great weekend,