$martEconomy

More Charter School Students' Score At Proficient Exam Levels Than Traditional Public School Students

According to a study conducted by Caroline Hoxby of The Hoover Institution and Harvard University, nationwide, more students in charter schools reach levels of proficiency in math and reading state examinations than their traditional public school peers. The study compares charter school student performance to their nearest traditional public school.

Study results indicated that 10% more students in charter schools that have been in operation for nine years or greater, score at proficient levels on state examinations. Findings show the gap lowers for charter schools in operation for less time, but they still have more students with these scores than traditional public schools. Overall, 5% more charter school students score at proficient levels on reading state examinations and 3% more charter school students score at proficient levels in math than their traditional public school peers, regardless of how long the charter school has been in operation.

Lead Source: Business Wire, Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University

Independent Charter School Authorizers In California Recommended

The California Legislative Analyst's Office (LAO) has issued a detailed proposal recommending the creation of more independent charter school authorizers, a power traditionally reserved for school districts.

The proposal suggests allowing a broader group of independent authorizers may help increase the health and accountability of the charter school movement. Current concerns over the current authorizer setup involve school districts' ability, or lack thereof, to provide meaningful oversight as well as higher district costs and reduced oversight quality associated with a lack of authorizer competition to keep them in check.

Lead Source: Business Wire, California Legislative Analyst's Office

Good Work Helps Latino Entrepreneurs In Durham, NC

Good Work, a non profit organization based in Durham, North Carolina teaches entrepreneurs how to start and manage businesses, conducting courses in Spanish. Course tuition varies based on a student's household income and ability to pay, ranging between $25 and $75.

The organization's course is geared toward new immigrants and includes coverage of topics such as licensing, business plan development, record management and personal financial literacy. Bilingual guest speakers make appearances and technical support is offered to students post courses.


Lead Source: Idealist, Herald Sun

Yele Haiti Launches As Wyclef Jean Attempts To Improve Haiti's Development

Yele Haiti, was formed by musician Wyclef Jean to address Haiti's development, focusing on education, entrepreneurship, community development, health and the environment. Immediate projects include school and community development funding as well as HIV/AIDS outreach to youth. Orsa Consultants will manage the programs.

A group of prominent entertainment figures including Susan Sarandon, Russell Simmons, Tyra Banks, Jonathan Demme, Roberta Flack, and Haitian natives, Mona Scott, Dumas Simeus, Maryse Kedar and Gepsie Metellus make up a task force to guide efforts and ensure active community involvement.

A launch event in New York City is scheduled for December 9 and a free concert in Haiti is planned for Spring 2005, with an estimated 1.5-million attendees expected.

Lead Source; PR Newswire.com