Groundswell Network

We’re excited to share our latest blog post featuring Dr. Bobby White, a longtime leader in Memphis education and now a key partner with Groundswell Network. In this in-depth interview, Dr. White shares his powerful vision for creating innovative schools especially for students who have been left behind, and how the new Opportunity Charter Schools legislation in Tennessee makes that possible. https://lnkd.in/eWDDvw6S https://lnkd.in/e5d7zrTK #Education #Memphis #CharterSchools #AlternativeSchools #CommunityImpact #GroundswellNetwork #EducationReform #StudentSuccess

I will be at the RAPSA (Reaching At-Promise Students Association) Forum next week on November 6-8 in Coronado, CA joining #OpportunityYouth advocates. https://lnkd.in/eg5rpn5r

https://lnkd.in/efRbhj6V

Congratulations Dr. White!

We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Bobby White, a long-time champion for Memphis families, to our team! As the founder and CEO of Frayser Community Schools, Dr. White has been at the forefront of transforming schools into family-centered hubs that uplift local communities. Dr. White has led schools in some of the city’s highest-need areas and brings extensive experience in school design and leadership. His exemplary, inspiring work and unstinting commitment to the most challenged young people in Memphis embodies the best of our public education system. Dr. White will be leading our Memphis/Shelby County initiative, helping us expand our impact in Tennessee by working with a wide array of community partners and educators to build a strong alternative school ecosystem in the city that will provide a path to success for some of the most underserved children in the state. Join us in welcoming Dr. White to our team, and stay tuned for more news of our progress and partnerships in Tennessee. https://lnkd.in/e7AkV6_a

It’s not about the needle, it’s about the haystack A recent piece in the New York Times by Rachel Louise Snyder about her path back from being one of America’s over 2 million high school dropouts was both inspiring and a reminder of the work ahead for our public school system.?(See link to the NYT article below.) Ms. Snyder’s story (and especially the work of the educators who believed in her all through her turbulent time in school) is an illustration of what’s possible when we stick with struggling kids even when they make it very tough to do so. But Ms. Snyder is the needle in a haystack; the vast majority of children who have failed or are failing out of high school have no good choices. Despite her success, she ends her piece on an uncertain note, fearing that we still haven’t built an educational ecosystem where our children’s futures are not irrevocably damaged by their earliest stumbles. For the charter movement, this is an opportunity: how are we, with our long-standing commitment to high-quality choices for all communities and high standards for all students, going to make sure that we are opening doors for the most challenged children? For one answer, see here: (https://lnkd.in/e_Hh-ApX). The time is now for the charter sector to build on its commitment to excellence by scaling the nation’s best alternative school models to serve the students who need effective schools the most. And if you are working to improve the alternative school space (or want to learn more), please reach out and join Groundswell (https://lnkd.in/e5mfVfnD) and its national network of leading educators and advocates in our efforts to identify, strengthen and scale the best alternative schools nationwide. Link to the NYT article: https://lnkd.in/ezHaA-WH

Thank you Groundswell Network for the last two days of panel discussions, roundtables, and fireside chats discussing the critical work of Alternative Schools in Tennessee and across the country. More importantly, thank you for reminding us to believe in and support ALL students, regardless of their circumstance. #groundswell #nationalconvening #education

State Board Executive Director Dr. Sara Morrison and staff member Michael Deurlein attended the first national convening of the Groundswell Network on the campus of Belmont University. They heard from national and Tennessee-based alternative school parents and students, practitioners, and city leaders on successful practices and policies to serve youths who are overaged and undereducated, involved in the juvenile justice system, foster kids, or facing other educational barriers.

https://lnkd.in/eymyHnyM