Letter To The Editor: All Bison Are Part Of The Herd - The Hilltop
I was surprised to learn that Howard utilizes a legacy preference. A legacy preference, also known as legacy admissions, provides an advantage during the college admissions process to applicants with family members who previously attended or work at the higher education institution.
When students are asked why they chose Howard University or an HBCU, they often say they want a sense of community with students who look like them and have similar experiences. But does that guarantee that they will have the same experience? As someone who was raised by a 20-year-old single mom who was simultaneously putting herself through college, I had a hard time adjusting to Howard. There is a vast difference between the journey to Howard for first-generation college students and students whose families have historically attended the Mecca.
I was surprised to learn that Howard utilizes a legacy preference. A legacy preference, also known as legacy admissions, provides an advantage during the college admissions process to applicants with family members who previously attended or work at the higher education institution. Nearly 1 out of 4 students in the freshman class of 2019 were legacy students.
Comings & Goings - Washington Blade
Congratulations to Cesar Toledo on being named deputy director of Democrats for Education Reform DC (DFER DC) and its affiliate nonpartisan, nonprofit organization Education Reform Now DC (ERN DC).
Congratulations to Cesar Toledo on being named deputy director of Democrats for Education Reform DC (DFER DC) and its affiliate nonpartisan, nonprofit organization Education Reform Now DC (ERN DC). Toledo said, “Being raised by immigrant parents, I understand firsthand how crucial a high-quality public education is in breaking the cycle of poverty and enabling upward social mobility. After years of spearheading political and social impact campaigns, I’m excited to utilize those skills to build a pipeline of education champions in the District. I look forward to advancing an education reform agenda that justly and equitably serves all students, especially students of color.”
Newsletter: Jobs Report - Politico Influence
Cesar Toledo will be deputy director of Democrats for Education Reform D.C. He previously was political director for the LGBTQ+ Victory Fund.
Cesar Toledo will be deputy director of Democrats for Education Reform D.C. He previously was political director for the LGBTQ+ Victory Fund.
Playbook: First In Playbook - Politico
Cesar Toledo will be deputy director of Democrats for Education Reform D.C. He previously was political director for the LGBTQ+ Victory Fund.
Cesar Toledo will be deputy director of Democrats for Education Reform D.C. He previously was political director for the LGBTQ+ Victory Fund.
DC Voters Overwhelmingly Support Equal Funding for DCPS and Public Charter Schools - AFRO News
“These results underscore that D.C. voters want all our students to have high-quality public education options, educators who are fairly compensated, and schools that are modernized–whether students attend a traditional public school or public charter,” said Jessica Giles
Nearly 8 of 10 voters (79%) believe that the Mayor and D.C. Council should include a raise in compensation for DCPS and public charter school educators in this year’s budget. The same percentage of voters (79%) believe that the D.C. Council should maintain the 3.1% charter facilities allowance increase so public charter schools can continue to make rent or mortgage payments, complete major renovations or modernizations, and pay for utilities, repairs, and maintenance.
“These results underscore that D.C. voters want all our students to have high-quality public education options, educators who are fairly compensated, and schools that are modernized–whether students attend a traditional public school or public charter,” said Jessica Giles, Executive Director of ERN D.C. In the fiscal year 2024 budget, we urge the Mayor and D.C. Council to listen to voters and prioritize an equitable education for all students, which includes equal funding for DCPS and public charter schools.”
SurveyUSA interviewed 501 District of Columbia registered voters who voted in the November 2022 general election or the November 2020 general election. This research was conducted between Feb. 20, 2023 and Feb. 26, 2023.
DC Voters Overwhelmingly Support Equal Funding for DCPS and Public Charter Schools - Black Press USA
“These results underscore that D.C. voters want all our students to have high-quality public education options, educators who are fairly compensated, and schools that are modernized–whether students attend a traditional public school or public charter,” said Jessica Giles, Executive Director of ERN D.C.
Nearly 8 of 10 voters (79%) believe that the Mayor and D.C. Council should include a raise in compensation for DCPS and public charter school educators in this year’s budget. The same percentage of voters (79%) believe that the D.C. Council should maintain the 3.1% charter facilities allowance increase so public charter schools can continue to make rent or mortgage payments, complete major renovations or modernizations, and pay for utilities, repairs, and maintenance.
“These results underscore that D.C. voters want all our students to have high-quality public education options, educators who are fairly compensated, and schools that are modernized–whether students attend a traditional public school or public charter,” said Jessica Giles, Executive Director of ERN D.C. In the fiscal year 2024 budget, we urge the Mayor and D.C. Council to listen to voters and prioritize an equitable education for all students, which includes equal funding for DCPS and public charter schools.”
SurveyUSA interviewed 501 District of Columbia registered voters who voted in the November 2022 general election or the November 2020 general election. This research was conducted between Feb. 20, 2023 and Feb. 26, 2023.
Black Press USA - 3/21/23 DC Voters Overwhelmingly Support Equal Funding for DCPS and Public Charter Schools
A new poll released today by Education Reform Now D.C. (ERN D.C.) found overwhelming support (71%) for D.C. Public Schools (DCPS) and public charter schools to receive equal funding to support their students.
Nearly 8 of 10 voters (79%) believe that the Mayor and D.C. Council should include a raise in compensation for DCPS and public charter school educators in this year’s budget. The same percentage of voters (79%) believe that the D.C. Council should maintain the 3.1% charter facilities allowance increase so public charter schools can continue to make rent or mortgage payments, complete major renovations or modernizations, and pay for utilities, repairs, and maintenance.
A new poll released today by Education Reform Now D.C. (ERN D.C.) found overwhelming support (71%) for D.C. Public Schools (DCPS) and public charter schools to receive equal funding to support their students.
Nearly 8 of 10 voters (79%) believe that the Mayor and D.C. Council should include a raise in compensation for DCPS and public charter school educators in this year’s budget. The same percentage of voters (79%) believe that the D.C. Council should maintain the 3.1% charter facilities allowance increase so public charter schools can continue to make rent or mortgage payments, complete major renovations or modernizations, and pay for utilities, repairs, and maintenance.
Opinion: Restricting school choice in D.C. won’t help anyone
As a resident of Ward 8, I believe every family should have the right to decide where to send their children to school, and nearly half of D.C. families choose to send their children to public charter schools.
As a resident of Ward 8, I believe every family should have the right to decide where to send their children to school, and nearly half of D.C. families choose to send their children to public charter schools. Public charter schools in D.C. are public, tuition-free and open to all D.C. residents. Student enrollment in public charter schools mirrors enrollment in traditional public schools, and half are run by people of color.
Instead of focusing on the School Reform Act of 1995, a nearly 30-year-old law, D.C. elected officials must be laser-focused on eliminating the persistent barriers that our students with disabilities, English learners and students designated as “at-risk” face — in both sectors — when accessing our public education system.
Opinion: Restricting school choice in D.C. won’t help anyone - Washington Post
As a resident of Ward 8, I believe every family should have the right to decide where to send their children to school, and nearly half of D.C. families choose to send their children to public charter schools. Public charter schools in D.C. are public, tuition-free and open to all D.C. residents. Student enrollment in public charter schools mirrors enrollment in traditional public schools, and half are run by people of color.It all begins with an idea.
As a resident of Ward 8, I believe every family should have the right to decide where to send their children to school, and nearly half of D.C. families choose to send their children to public charter schools. Public charter schools in D.C. are public, tuition-free and open to all D.C. residents. Student enrollment in public charter schools mirrors enrollment in traditional public schools, and half are run by people of color.
As D.C. hosts annual parade, King family honors justice groups - Washington Post
“I am showing up for those who cannot be here today — for the many students we’ve lost to gun violence,” said Minetre Martin
“I am showing up for those who cannot be here today — for the many students we’ve lost to gun violence,” said Minetre Martin, 31, an education advocate who quoted King’s words that only love can drive out hate. She said she hoped King’s example was “loud and clear” to all.
Washington Post - 1/16/23 As D.C. hosts annual parade, King family honors justice groups
“I am showing up for those who cannot be here today — for the many students we’ve lost to gun violence,” said Minetre Martin, 31, an education advocate who quoted King’s words that only love can drive out hate. She said she hoped King’s example was “loud and clear” to all.
“I am showing up for those who cannot be here today — for the many students we’ve lost to gun violence,” said Minetre Martin, 31, an education advocate who quoted King’s words that only love can drive out hate. She said she hoped King’s example was “loud and clear” to all.
D.C. election is referendum on status quo versus liberal shake-up - The Washington Post
Since then, the education-focused group Democrats for Education Reform DC has emerged as by far the biggest outside spender in the election
Since then, the education-focused group Democrats for Education Reform DC — a branch of a national group that has chapters in seven states and the District — has emerged as by far the biggest outside spender in the election, fueling conversations about DFER’s support for Bowser and council candidate Eric Goulet due to their embrace of mayoral control and charter schools.
Why I’m one of the many parents who want the PARCC exam this year - DCLine
A survey of DC parents commissioned last year by Education Reform Now DC found an overwhelming majority (87%) agreed that “end-of-year assessments used to evaluate student learning, skills and academic achievement are important.”
When their schools reopened for in-person learning, my five boys were excited to return. They’ve been happy to be back in the classroom as a more normal school year has progressed, though their enthusiasm has occasionally waned — like when I mentioned the PARCC exam would be returning this spring.
Personally, I am very excited for my sons to take the exams in math and English language arts as the results show me what my children are learning in their schools. As a parent, understanding my child’s strengths and weaknesses is very important to me; it means I’m able to go over practice sessions with them and help create individualized, manageable goals for their educational success.
Parents, guardians and families need to know whether our children are college- and career-ready. Statewide assessments such as PARCC — shorthand for the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers — expose harsh opportunity gaps and racial disparities in education, which existed long before the pandemic. A survey of DC parents commissioned last year by Education Reform Now DC found an overwhelming majority (87%) agreed that “end-of-year assessments used to evaluate student learning, skills and academic achievement are important.”
Education Experts Talk Student Literacy, COVID Learning Loss and How Teachers Can Confront the Widening Achievement Gap - The 74 Million
Clayman was among a panel of experts assembled by the Progressive Policy Institute and The 74 on Wednesday to deal with the enormous question of how educators will close the achievement gap in literacy that has grown to a chasm during the COVID-19 pandemic. The panel was also sponsored by Education Reform Now DC.
How hard can it be to teach kids how to read?
Well, if you ask Mary Clayman, it’s the equivalent of rocket science. “We cannot put any curriculum in front of a teacher and expect them to become a master of their craft,” said Clayman, Director of the DC Reading Clinic.
“There is a huge body of knowledge that teachers need to have access to and to understand to be able to adequately diagnose and intervene with a student.”
In her role at the reading clinic, Clayman trains teachers in the science of reading, which she defines as “this vast body of knowledge, decades of research, fMRI studies, which is cognitive science, information on the English language, [and] the theoretical underpinnings of how we think children acquire print.”
But that leads to a big question for education leaders: “Is the instruction in schools informed by this vast body of knowledge?”
Clayman was among a panel of experts assembled by the Progressive Policy Institute and The 74 on Wednesday to deal with the enormous question of how educators will close the achievement gap in literacy that has grown to a chasm during the COVID-19 pandemic. The panel was also sponsored by Education Reform Now DC.
Our students need a just and equitable recovery - DCLine
As DC continues to reel from the disastrous impacts of the coronavirus pandemic, we need to immediately meet students and families where they are right now and fully address the academic impact and the physical and psychological traumas caused by the pandemic.
Since last year, many families have been grappling with COVID-related challenges from illness, death, job loss and social isolation. Our educators and school leaders have pushed forward, providing students with virtual and in-person learning. Despite their best efforts, many students’ academic progress — as well as their physical and mental well-being — has faltered.
Jessica Giles is the state director of Education Reform Now DC.
As DC continues to reel from the disastrous impacts of the coronavirus pandemic, we need to immediately meet students and families where they are right now and fully address the academic impact and the physical and psychological traumas caused by the pandemic. The mayor and the DC Council must do the following:
As D.C. tightens its fiscal belt, we must not squeeze students - The Washington Post
As we collectively struggle to cope with the dire economic ramifications of the coronavirus, the District must be careful not to balance the budget on the backs of schools and children, especially those most in need.
The novel coronavirus has brought our nation tremendous heartache and wreaked havoc on our economy. To her credit, D.C. Mayor Muriel E. Bowser (D) has responded quickly and decisively, wisely relying on science and evidence when making decisions about closing schools and businesses.
But even strong leadership cannot keep the pandemic and its consequences entirely at bay, a fact made clear again when the District announced a dramatic decrease in projected revenue for the coming years. The numbers, grim by any measure, merely confirm what we’ve known: The District’s economy and budget are facing an extended period of pain.
As we collectively struggle to cope with the dire economic ramifications of the coronavirus, the District must be careful not to balance the budget on the backs of schools and children, especially those most in need. Our elected leaders must provide significant funding to support students, especially students from low-income families and students of color, in the weeks, months and years ahead.