About the Conference
Charter schools represent a relatively new reform strategy designed to improve educational outcomes for K–12 students through increased choice and reduced government bureaucracy.
Current questions about charters have matured beyond issues of existence to focus on equitable funding mechanisms, student performance outcomes, relationships between charters and traditional public schools, as well as the strategic challenges facing charters in an era heavily influenced by No Child Left Behind.
This intensive, four-day program offers participants a multi-level professional development experience. Intellectually, it draws on the expertise and research of Harvard faculty and other experts in framing challenges faced by charter schools and their school communities while also attending to the larger state-level policy environment. Practically, it highlights successful accomplishments of exemplary charter school leaders. Personally, it offers the opportunity to meet with others from across the country to reflect on current research and individual wisdom.
Providing a Flexible Framework for Change
The Charter School Institute helps individuals at the school, system, and policy levels develop leadership strategies and perspectives necessary to build capacity and significantly improve outcomes for students. As a leader, this unique curriculum will help you:
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Examine elements of high performing charter schools
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Explore issues of scale-up that support positive outcomes for students
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Address topics of internal accountability within charters that enhance student learning
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Set priorities and allocate resources to
build organizational capacity
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Devise a theory of action for working effectively with external agencies and constituencies
Through large-group presentations, case discussions and smaller brainstorming sessions, you will work with colleagues from across the country to solve difficult problems, examine real challenges, and confront long-held beliefs and expectations. Several overarching questions guide the work of the institute:
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What factors are important to the successful expansion of charter schools?
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How can charter schools strategically manage their external environment to achieve successful outcomes?
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What factors help charter schools build internal capacity to ensure effective student outcomes?
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What non-profit management knowledge and skills are essential for leaders of entrepreneurial charter schools?
Throughout the institute, you will critically examine and revise a theory of action for your school, organization, or policy area based on constructive feedback and support from Harvard faculty, leading practitioners, and policy analysts. Your thinking will be informed by a wealth of best practices from schools and agencies that have successfully implemented charter schools and related legislation.
Who Should Attend
The institute is designed for those involved in the design and implementation of charter schools at both the school and system levels as well as those responsible for the design of state or national policy affecting charter schools.
2008 Faculty
Katherine Merseth, Institute Chair, Director, Teacher Education Program; Senior Lecturer on Education, Harvard Graduate School of Education.
Kay is a former public high school teacher of mathematics and a devotee
of the case method
of instruction.
Sally Bachofer, Western Regional Manager, National Association of Charter School Authorizers
Bob Fogel, Dean of Administration, Harvard Graduate School of Education
Tom Hehir, Professor of Practice, Director of the School Leadership Program, Harvard Graduate School of Education
Monica Higgins, Associate Professor of Education, Harvard Graduate School of Education
Dacia Toll, Co-CEO and President,
Achievement First
General Information
Program Fee
The comprehensive program fee of $2145 includes tuition, all instructional materials, lunches, networking opportunities with faculty and participants, a special event, certificate of participation, and a letter indicating clock hours of instruction. Payment is due within 30 days of registration.
Registration
Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. Payment or purchase order is due thirty days after registration. Participants are responsible for their own travel expenses; please wait for payment confirmation before making travel arrangements.
You can register via fax, mail, or online at www.gse.harvard.edu/ppe. For further information, please call 800-545-1849 or email ppe@gse.harvard.edu.
Accommodation Options
Hotel rooms are available at a reduced rate in Harvard Square. Travel arrangements are the responsibility of the individual participant.
Harvard Undergraduate Dormitory
Participants are housed in a Harvard undergraduate dorm and are assigned a single room with a shared bath. While housing facilities are comfortable, they are also quite spartan. Linens and daily housekeeping are provided. The cost for room and breakfast is $115 per night.
Cambridge Marriott
Reservations: 1-800-228-9290
Reference: Charter Schools
Reservation deadline: June 30, 2008
This hotel is centrally located in Kendall Square, making the Harvard campus easily accessible via subway. The subway station is
a block from the hotel and Harvard is two stops away!
For a listing of other local accommodations please click
here.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations must be made in writing. Full refunds will
be granted until June 22, 2008. Cancellations between June 23 –July 7 will be subject to a $300 cancellation fee. Cancellations after
July 7 and no-shows are subject to full payment.
The Harvard
Graduate School of Education reserves the right to cancel the program
or change faculty at its discretion. In the unlikely case of the program changes,
the school is not responsible for non-refundable travel arrangements
or other planning costs incurred.
Program Location
The conference will be held at the Harvard Graduate School of Education in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Further Information
800-545-1849 • ppe@gse.harvard.edu
The Harvard Graduate School of Education affirms the right of all individuals to equal treatment in education without regard to race, age, religion, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, handicap, national origin, or any other considerations that are extraneous to effective performance. The Harvard Graduate School of Education will accommodate anyone with disabilities
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