6 Charter Schools Approved by ADE
By: Deedra Wilson, KARK 4 News
Updated: January 14, 2013
Arkansas Education is changing with the times and ready to integrate new ways of learning.
The State Board of Education approved six charter school applications, including three that will be new technology schools.
All six of the applications are from Arkansas School Districts wanting to convert from public schools to a charter school.
State Board of Education Member Jim Cooper offers some insight as to why public schools across the state are asking for waivers to become a charter school.
"To allow them to be creative and innovative and teach different types of programs," Cooper said.
Becoming a charter and getting those waivers is the only way schools can go beyond traditional teaching.
Blytheville, Rogers, South Pike County, Warren, Jonesboro and Texarkana School Districts will become Charters.
Blytheville, Rogers and Murfreesboro (South Pike County) will become New Tech Schools.
A model being demonstrated across the nation where students learn by creating projects using technology.
"The biggest piece is the culture this empowers so these students have trust, respect, responsibility to take ownership of their education," says Teryn Spears, Director for New Tech in Blytheville. "It offers help in a new way for our students."
Members of the state board are voting overwhelmingly each time to approve the charters, but with all the confirmation, members reassure parents there will be no change in common core or state standards.
"Yes, they are for sure," added Cooper.
The board postponed Bauxite School District's Charter application, citing budget issues and too many students.
America's Charter School in Lincoln School District was denied.
The State Board of Education approved six charter school applications, including three that will be new technology schools.
All six of the applications are from Arkansas School Districts wanting to convert from public schools to a charter school.
State Board of Education Member Jim Cooper offers some insight as to why public schools across the state are asking for waivers to become a charter school.
"To allow them to be creative and innovative and teach different types of programs," Cooper said.
Becoming a charter and getting those waivers is the only way schools can go beyond traditional teaching.
Blytheville, Rogers, South Pike County, Warren, Jonesboro and Texarkana School Districts will become Charters.
Blytheville, Rogers and Murfreesboro (South Pike County) will become New Tech Schools.
A model being demonstrated across the nation where students learn by creating projects using technology.
"The biggest piece is the culture this empowers so these students have trust, respect, responsibility to take ownership of their education," says Teryn Spears, Director for New Tech in Blytheville. "It offers help in a new way for our students."
Members of the state board are voting overwhelmingly each time to approve the charters, but with all the confirmation, members reassure parents there will be no change in common core or state standards.
"Yes, they are for sure," added Cooper.
The board postponed Bauxite School District's Charter application, citing budget issues and too many students.
America's Charter School in Lincoln School District was denied.
