Publications

Status of Education "Innovation Zones" Around the Country
Memo · December 2011

In 2010 and 2011 Education Evolving studied the policy frameworks being used in large cities around the country to encourage innovation in school. Here is a summary of those district and state policy frameworks, as of 2011.

District-Initiated Chartered Schools: New Opportunities for District Boards and Teachers
Memo · February 2005

Some districts see chartering as a part of their strategy for change and improvement. Here we review three Minnesota districts that authorize chartered schools: Faribault, Hopkins and Waseca. The 'common market' approach of pooling courses, facilities, programs and transportation of district, chartered, private and home schooling in Faribault is particularly striking.

Trend Accelerating Toward an ‘Open Sector’ in Public Education
Memo · November 2004

A policy brief providing an update on the current status of chartered schools and charter-ing in Minnesota. Includes the latest statistics on the charters that are operating in the 2004-2005 school year, information on the most recent round of charter approvals, an update on Minnesota’s growing cadre of sponsors and more.

A Viable High School in a Small Rural District
Memo · January 2001

Nontraditional forms of school do exist that are economically and educationally viable at the scale of 120 students. This has huge implications for rural America's sparsely-settled areas. The trick is to think differently about teaching and learning. An article in the magazine of the superintendents' association in Minnesota.

School Boards and Teachers Have Choices, Too
Memo · January 2001

In K-12 policy discussions, "choice" usually implies family choice. But school boards and teachers have options, too. Boards can choose to authorize chartered schools, which may be easier than trying to change their existing schools. And, teachers can choose to form teacher professional partnerships in their schools.

The Valley Crossing School as a Precedent for Contracting
Memo · April 1999

Three local districts in Minnesota’s metropolitan suburbs share an elementary school didn't build, don’t own and don’t themselves staff. The Valley Crossing school is a kind of virtual organization; a fascinating case in the use of contracts.

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