School briefs: Group ranks Tennessee 22nd for charter laws
The Center for Education Reform, which supports the growth of publicly financed, privately led charter schools, says Tennessee’s charter laws amount to a “C” grade and rank 22nd out of 42 states with charters.
The Washington, D.C.-based organization released its 15th annual charter law scorecard Monday, which happened to be the day the Tennessee Senate was slated to consider controversial legislation that would give the Tennessee Board of Education state new authority to approve charters previously denied by local school boards in Davidson and four other counties.
The Senate adjourned before it got to the bill, which is fiercely opposed by Metro and other local boards. The Senate is expected to consider the proposal Thursday.
The Center for Education Reforms backs the overhaul. Its president, Kara Kerwin, says Tennessee lawmakers have an “incredible opportunity” to help expand educational options by allowing additional entities to approve charters.
Peabody College schedules summer sessions for educators
Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College is hosting a “summer school” for educators in the form of five one-week sessions in June, led by national education leaders. Enrollment is on a competitive, first-come, first-served basis.
For information, visit http://vu.edu/ppi or email ppi@vanderbilt.edu.
MNPS to hold summer program
A virtual school summer program sponsored by Metro Nashville Public Schools will allow students in grades 8-12 to take courses toward a high school diploma.
Tuition is due by May 23. The cost for each half-credit course is $199 for Davidson County residents and $399 for nonresidents. For more information, visit www.mnps.org.
