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Charter recruits refugees
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Success | 4:58 a.m. Sept. 26, 2009
A perfect example of how choice in education benefits everyone! When you have
motivated, competent leadership instead of bloated district offices it's
amazing what you can do for students. Even parents new to America recognize the
value of choice. Bravo to Sharette and her faculty for tackling a population
that most schools don't know how (or don't want) to deal with.
John Carter | 7:05 a.m. Sept. 26, 2009
I am appalled. If the story had been about a white Mormon child focusing
intently on the task in front of him, would it have begun with an account of two
flies playing tag around his head?
What was Elizabeth thinking when she wrote that? ...And, where were the editors?
What was Elizabeth thinking when she wrote that? ...And, where were the editors?
Comments continue below
John Pack Lambert | 8:08 a.m. Sept. 26, 2009
What's with the girl wearing the scarf? This is America, not the third
world they came from. On the other hand, we are becoming more and more like the
third world with all these immigrants who refuse to adapt to our ways.
Anonymous | 8:12 a.m. Sept. 26, 2009
APA may recruit the homeless, poor, illiterate, non-English speaking refugees,
but they only take the top 90% of them :)
Charters doing many things right | 9:31 a.m. Sept. 26, 2009
"American Preparatory Academy, to make a charter school education more
viable for needy families, sometimes foots the bill for school uniforms and
supplies – a perk, Lui said, traditional public schools can't compete
with. Sharette secured grant money to pay for a bus to pick up students at their
homes because many refugees don't own cars. "
APA has less money to work with than a District school, yet they boast smaller class sizes AND can find people and businesses to donate uniforms for students in needs. Districts just don't get it and FEAR the positive changes going on in public education. We need one-hundred APA's in the state, not more of the same old same old we get when a District forms a school.
APA has less money to work with than a District school, yet they boast smaller class sizes AND can find people and businesses to donate uniforms for students in needs. Districts just don't get it and FEAR the positive changes going on in public education. We need one-hundred APA's in the state, not more of the same old same old we get when a District forms a school.
Christie | 10:15 a.m. Sept. 26, 2009
John Carter-
this story isn't about race or religion. not every story has to be about religion or race. you are looking to be offended. perhaps you need to move.
this story isn't about race or religion. not every story has to be about religion or race. you are looking to be offended. perhaps you need to move.
Carolyn Sharette | 10:24 a.m. Sept. 26, 2009
I am assuming anonymous is joking - tongue in cheek referring to the many
accusations we endure that we only take the "cream of the crop" when
in reality we utilize a lottery process and are unable to do so.
But I just wanted to make sure in case some thought anonymous was serious. Besides, what would the "top 90%" look like? How would we know what this is, what is means and who they are?
We employ a random drawing process to enroll all of our students. We have wait lists already at the West Valley Campus, except we have about 10 openings in the Jr. High for anyone who may be interested in our school for 7th, 8th or 9th grade students.
But I just wanted to make sure in case some thought anonymous was serious. Besides, what would the "top 90%" look like? How would we know what this is, what is means and who they are?
We employ a random drawing process to enroll all of our students. We have wait lists already at the West Valley Campus, except we have about 10 openings in the Jr. High for anyone who may be interested in our school for 7th, 8th or 9th grade students.
Wow! | 10:41 a.m. Sept. 26, 2009
Why exactly can't the districts compete with this school? They have more
money, more employees, more administration, more politico's available to
them?!
It's priorities, the districts priority is power and money, not children and families.
Way to go to the folks who sacrifice their time and talents to start a school like this one, makes me proud to be an American.
It's priorities, the districts priority is power and money, not children and families.
Way to go to the folks who sacrifice their time and talents to start a school like this one, makes me proud to be an American.
True blue American | 10:50 a.m. Sept. 26, 2009
John,
America was founded by immigrants, thus the term "melting pot."
Nothing wrong with immigrants celebrating their own culture, as long as they appreciate being an American at the same time.
Abide by our laws, get an education and eventually pay it forward by paying taxes etc. so others can have their turn.
This is an impressive school, why don't more public schools follow this example?
America was founded by immigrants, thus the term "melting pot."
Nothing wrong with immigrants celebrating their own culture, as long as they appreciate being an American at the same time.
Abide by our laws, get an education and eventually pay it forward by paying taxes etc. so others can have their turn.
This is an impressive school, why don't more public schools follow this example?
Mary Banford | 10:57 a.m. Sept. 26, 2009
Bravo to the entire staff at American Prep. Academy. They are truly changing
lives and the impact will ripple for generations to come.
Great Innovations | 11:11 a.m. Sept. 26, 2009
From this article I have learned that the "innovative" education
Charters offer (that districts fear) boils down to the following:
Free transportation (bus service)
Free clothing
Singing and chanting in the classroom
Way to go Charters!
Free transportation (bus service)
Free clothing
Singing and chanting in the classroom
Way to go Charters!
Carolyn Sharette | 12:12 p.m. Sept. 26, 2009
Perhaps "Great Innovations" missed the part about 95% of our students
being proficient on state tests at our Draper location.
One of our most productive innovations is our character development program, which is based upon the following poem, which all students, staff and parents memorize - some call recitation "chanting" :)
Builders
I saw them tearing a building down,
A gang of men in a busy town.
With a yo, heave, ho and a lusty yell,
They swung a beam and the sidewall fell.
I asked the foreman if these men were as skilled
As those he were to hire if he were to build.
He laughed and said "oh, no indeed,
Common labor is all I need,
For they can wreck in a day or two
What builders have taken years to do."
So I asked myself as I went my way,
Which of these roles am I to play?
Am I the builder who works with care,
measuring life by the rule and square,
Or am I the wrecker who walks the town,
Content in the role of tearing down?
I've made my decision, I'll start today.
I'll be a builder in every way!
Food for thought!
One of our most productive innovations is our character development program, which is based upon the following poem, which all students, staff and parents memorize - some call recitation "chanting" :)
Builders
I saw them tearing a building down,
A gang of men in a busy town.
With a yo, heave, ho and a lusty yell,
They swung a beam and the sidewall fell.
I asked the foreman if these men were as skilled
As those he were to hire if he were to build.
He laughed and said "oh, no indeed,
Common labor is all I need,
For they can wreck in a day or two
What builders have taken years to do."
So I asked myself as I went my way,
Which of these roles am I to play?
Am I the builder who works with care,
measuring life by the rule and square,
Or am I the wrecker who walks the town,
Content in the role of tearing down?
I've made my decision, I'll start today.
I'll be a builder in every way!
Food for thought!
Truth | 12:16 p.m. Sept. 26, 2009
I love that the director of educational equity for Granite School
District(Charlene Lui) said that American Preparatory Academy's school for
new Americans offers "perks" that "traditional public schools
can't compete with."
I can't stop laughing. Charter schools are hugely disadvantaged compared to public schools. They have less public and political support, and a smaller budget.
To get a bus, Carolyn Sharette had to write grants and submit them to several different grantors. That, to me, sounds like a perk that public schools offer that a charter school would have to struggle to compete with, not the other way around.
APA also has uniform requirements, but the underpriveledged families typically can't afford to buy a new wardrobe and shoes for their kids. So people like Sharette stayed at work late, finding donors and volunteers who came up with innovative solutions that allow them to maintain their uniform policy without burdening the refugee parents.
Lui - the free shoes and uniforms and the school buses didn't magically appear out of thin air. Granite school district could certainly offer any perks they wanted if they had leaders, parents, staff and volunteers like the ones at APA.
I can't stop laughing. Charter schools are hugely disadvantaged compared to public schools. They have less public and political support, and a smaller budget.
To get a bus, Carolyn Sharette had to write grants and submit them to several different grantors. That, to me, sounds like a perk that public schools offer that a charter school would have to struggle to compete with, not the other way around.
APA also has uniform requirements, but the underpriveledged families typically can't afford to buy a new wardrobe and shoes for their kids. So people like Sharette stayed at work late, finding donors and volunteers who came up with innovative solutions that allow them to maintain their uniform policy without burdening the refugee parents.
Lui - the free shoes and uniforms and the school buses didn't magically appear out of thin air. Granite school district could certainly offer any perks they wanted if they had leaders, parents, staff and volunteers like the ones at APA.
Jared Bennett | 12:28 p.m. Sept. 26, 2009
Anonymous's comment about taking the top 90% of the refugees is comical. A
charter school cannot cherry pick the best students in a lottery system, which
is the type of system that all charter schools must use. APA is no exception.
Anonymous's statement makes the same hackneyed argument that charter
schools always hear when people are looking for reasons to explain why charter
schools seem to be having such great success. Indeed, if I had made such an
accusation without any data to back it up, I would have made an anonymous
comment too. :)
Feel Good Intentions | 12:41 p.m. Sept. 26, 2009
Perhaps Carolyn Sharette has (conveniently?)forgotten that this article is NOT
about her main Draper campus and the data associated with that school.
At my traditional public school, we judge our success by our results, not our intentions.
This story was all about good intentions. I hope the DesNews will revisit this school in a few years to see what results have been achieved from free transportation, clothing, and chanting.
BTW: Truth
I'm sure Sharette is the ONLY person in the history of schooling in Utah who has ever stayed late working on innovative solutions to the difficulties faced by students and parents. (Voice dripping in sarcasm)
At my traditional public school, we judge our success by our results, not our intentions.
This story was all about good intentions. I hope the DesNews will revisit this school in a few years to see what results have been achieved from free transportation, clothing, and chanting.
BTW: Truth
I'm sure Sharette is the ONLY person in the history of schooling in Utah who has ever stayed late working on innovative solutions to the difficulties faced by students and parents. (Voice dripping in sarcasm)
Charter School Parent | 1:08 p.m. Sept. 26, 2009
Any school, public or private, is welcome to conduct clothing drives for the
needy. Shouldn't charity begin in one's own backyard? Bravo, American
Preparatory Academy, for setting the standard that others should emulate.
Singing and chanting are not necessarily academic activities. However, singing and chanting specific definitions, formulas, and directions are fabulous mnemonic (memory) devices. My child attends American Prep in Draper and LEARNS BELL TO BELL. In addition to choral responses with chanting and singing, these students write challenging reports, conduct experiments, and engage in other types of critical thinking. The school has the scores to prove that it provides an exemplary education for its students. Rather than criticize, other districts should at least be required to examine the "best practices" of American Preparatory Academy. Legislators? School Boards? Consider yourselves challenged--at least by this parent.
Singing and chanting are not necessarily academic activities. However, singing and chanting specific definitions, formulas, and directions are fabulous mnemonic (memory) devices. My child attends American Prep in Draper and LEARNS BELL TO BELL. In addition to choral responses with chanting and singing, these students write challenging reports, conduct experiments, and engage in other types of critical thinking. The school has the scores to prove that it provides an exemplary education for its students. Rather than criticize, other districts should at least be required to examine the "best practices" of American Preparatory Academy. Legislators? School Boards? Consider yourselves challenged--at least by this parent.
to Great Innovations | 1:21 p.m. Sept. 26, 2009
Singing and chanting? What is wrong with that?
Choral responses are a research-based practice that are part of direct instruction. While typically used for special education, they are proven to increase learning and retention. Why are you finding fault with something that actually improves success?
What methods are you suggesting that can boast the same results?
Choral responses are a research-based practice that are part of direct instruction. While typically used for special education, they are proven to increase learning and retention. Why are you finding fault with something that actually improves success?
What methods are you suggesting that can boast the same results?
Truth | 1:41 p.m. Sept. 26, 2009
Anonymous was joking. It's funny.
Truth | 2:03 p.m. Sept. 26, 2009
Feel Good Intentions:
You err. American Preparatory Academy is being praised because of a PLAN that they are IMPLEMENTING. Not intentions. There is a difference.
Deseret News published that "American Preparatory Academy has a good track record in Draper, where it boasts a wait list of 3,200. Last year, 95 percent of students scored proficient on the state's language arts exam." That is relevant information, considering the subject matter of the article. That statement is not a judgement, and nobody is judging The School for New Americans based on that information.
You also say that "perhaps Carolyn Sharette conveniently forgot that this article is NOT about her main Draper campus and the data associated with that school." Sharette doesn't even mention any data associated with that school! The Deseret News did in a paragraph preceding a quote by Sharette! Sharette just said that her school in Draper is accomplishing amazing things and that she wanted to offer that to new Americans.
I don't see any presumptions or inconsistencies in Sharette's statements. Your statements, however, could use a revision. Please try to think and type at the same time. Or at least in sequence.
You err. American Preparatory Academy is being praised because of a PLAN that they are IMPLEMENTING. Not intentions. There is a difference.
Deseret News published that "American Preparatory Academy has a good track record in Draper, where it boasts a wait list of 3,200. Last year, 95 percent of students scored proficient on the state's language arts exam." That is relevant information, considering the subject matter of the article. That statement is not a judgement, and nobody is judging The School for New Americans based on that information.
You also say that "perhaps Carolyn Sharette conveniently forgot that this article is NOT about her main Draper campus and the data associated with that school." Sharette doesn't even mention any data associated with that school! The Deseret News did in a paragraph preceding a quote by Sharette! Sharette just said that her school in Draper is accomplishing amazing things and that she wanted to offer that to new Americans.
I don't see any presumptions or inconsistencies in Sharette's statements. Your statements, however, could use a revision. Please try to think and type at the same time. Or at least in sequence.
Anonymous | 2:37 p.m. Sept. 26, 2009
UGGHHH.
Not ANOTHER charter school story.
Dnews your agenda is getting old.
Go to any school in west valley and you will find over 50% immigrant children.
Heck even Provo has schools that have over 70% minorities with about 50% being first generation immigrants.
Not ANOTHER charter school story.
Dnews your agenda is getting old.
Go to any school in west valley and you will find over 50% immigrant children.
Heck even Provo has schools that have over 70% minorities with about 50% being first generation immigrants.
Laura Leavitt | 2:41 p.m. Sept. 26, 2009
Feel Good Intentions--
We ALL hope that the Deseret News will revisit this school regularly!
If the model that has been used successfully at the Draper campus proves to be successful with these students--ones that are at the highest risk of slipping between the cracks--hooray!
The "dripping" tone of your comments makes me wonder if you are secretly hoping to see this school--and thus these students--fail. Who hopes for those kinds of things? If I have misinterpreted your message--apologies. I can see that would be an awkward stance to be found in...
I don't think anyone will argue with your comment about success being measured by results--most certainly not Sharette. But what results could be reported on right now? Haven't they only been open for a month?
I, for one, will be watching the progress of this new school with great interest--and hoping (as I believe everyone who is truly interested in seeing our children succeed) that it is as effective as their "good intentions" intend for it to be. Thanks Deseret News for giving us something to keep reading about.
We ALL hope that the Deseret News will revisit this school regularly!
If the model that has been used successfully at the Draper campus proves to be successful with these students--ones that are at the highest risk of slipping between the cracks--hooray!
The "dripping" tone of your comments makes me wonder if you are secretly hoping to see this school--and thus these students--fail. Who hopes for those kinds of things? If I have misinterpreted your message--apologies. I can see that would be an awkward stance to be found in...
I don't think anyone will argue with your comment about success being measured by results--most certainly not Sharette. But what results could be reported on right now? Haven't they only been open for a month?
I, for one, will be watching the progress of this new school with great interest--and hoping (as I believe everyone who is truly interested in seeing our children succeed) that it is as effective as their "good intentions" intend for it to be. Thanks Deseret News for giving us something to keep reading about.
Trying to Think and Type... | 2:51 p.m. Sept. 26, 2009
Response:
At my traditional public school:
The administration established a Community of Caring 15 years ago. This is a STUDENT BASED program, run outside of academic school time, where students (not self-aggrandizing administrators) perform acts of service for other students. Successful clothing and shoe drives have happened with regularity. Charters--are you listening to the "innovations" of others?
The faculty has 24 members who are ESL endorsed. That is over 1/3 of the faculty!!! Next school year, in a partnership with BYU, over 90% of the faculty will have their ESL endorsement after 3 years. Classrooms are following research based ESL "best practices" when it comes to educating our students. Charters--are you listening to the "innovations" of others?
Our principal won the Huntsman education award. Instead of spending the time trolling the comment boards when he won, he continued to work on the improvement of all of the students in his school (he didn't even know he was in the paper until someone printed it out for him several days later). Charters--are you listening to the "innovations" of others?
I hope the "implementation" of their "innovative" plan meets with wild success.
At my traditional public school:
The administration established a Community of Caring 15 years ago. This is a STUDENT BASED program, run outside of academic school time, where students (not self-aggrandizing administrators) perform acts of service for other students. Successful clothing and shoe drives have happened with regularity. Charters--are you listening to the "innovations" of others?
The faculty has 24 members who are ESL endorsed. That is over 1/3 of the faculty!!! Next school year, in a partnership with BYU, over 90% of the faculty will have their ESL endorsement after 3 years. Classrooms are following research based ESL "best practices" when it comes to educating our students. Charters--are you listening to the "innovations" of others?
Our principal won the Huntsman education award. Instead of spending the time trolling the comment boards when he won, he continued to work on the improvement of all of the students in his school (he didn't even know he was in the paper until someone printed it out for him several days later). Charters--are you listening to the "innovations" of others?
I hope the "implementation" of their "innovative" plan meets with wild success.
To: Trying to Think and Type | 3:13 p.m. Sept. 26, 2009
Please add the test scores of your school in order to demonstrate your veracity.
While your school's examples indicate dedication, you haven't yet
proved student achievement.
Barbara Alldredge | 3:15 p.m. Sept. 26, 2009
It's great to hear stories about public education where teachers,
principals and administrators are looking to provide students in our communities
with opportunities for success. Thanks!
Good Intentions vs Snark Factor | 8:14 p.m. Sept. 26, 2009
Why all the snarky comments on this story about a school doing its best to teach
its students? Public schools and charter schools both deserve credit for their
accomplishments; educating our kids is not a zero-sum game.
All In The Family | 9:43 p.m. Sept. 26, 2009
APA is more of a family run business supported by tax dollars than a true public
school. Howard Headly - Chairman of the Board; Carolyh Sharrette, director, his
sister; the assistant director and board member (can't remember her name),
another sister; Max Meyer, finance, their nephew. When my kid was attending APA
he felt like an outsider because he wasn't related to the Sharette/Headly
clan. I don't mind charter schools, but not when my tax dollars are used
to support a family business. Important decisions about charter schools should
be made at legitimate board meetings, not around the dinner table.
Steve Jarvis | 12:44 a.m. Sept. 27, 2009
@all in the fam
Funny how philosophies differ. My parents always taught me at the dinner table, the place where the best educational conversations are had. That was where the family was centered, so naturally the dinner table was where I was introduced to mathematics and reading.
APA is the model school all others should emulate. I was only in that school for a couple of days for training and I was highly impressed. I was even more imnpressed to hear of this second campus and its focus on full inclusion.
Funny how philosophies differ. My parents always taught me at the dinner table, the place where the best educational conversations are had. That was where the family was centered, so naturally the dinner table was where I was introduced to mathematics and reading.
APA is the model school all others should emulate. I was only in that school for a couple of days for training and I was highly impressed. I was even more imnpressed to hear of this second campus and its focus on full inclusion.
Anonymous | 2:48 a.m. Sept. 27, 2009
Wow that charter sure got the message out to the employees and parents...
Get on the message boards. There is a story about us and we need to look good!
Everything spoken of in this article is already being done by local elementary schools.
Not to take away from the charter but they are just costing the public more money for things that are already being done.
Get on the message boards. There is a story about us and we need to look good!
Everything spoken of in this article is already being done by local elementary schools.
Not to take away from the charter but they are just costing the public more money for things that are already being done.
To: Charter School Parent | 10:06 a.m. Sept. 27, 2009
If your child "learns BELL TO BELL", do they eat lunch in the
classrooms during a test or science lab? Do they have recess time?
BTW, my district schooled children also learn every minute of class time. But, the district school sees the need for recess time, lunch time, music time, computer time, PE time, in addition to reading, writing, and math.
BTW, my district schooled children also learn every minute of class time. But, the district school sees the need for recess time, lunch time, music time, computer time, PE time, in addition to reading, writing, and math.
Steven Jarvis | 10:57 a.m. Sept. 27, 2009
Anonymous | 2:48 a.m. Sept. 27, 2009,
APA and other top notch Charter schools do not publicize themselves like Canyons School District, nor do they recieve the same level of funding to burn through as a school aligned through a District either.
Your claims that "Everything spoken of in this article is already being done by local elementary schools," is woefully ignorant. While many District schools have some very solid programs, they waste too many resources (financial and student time namely) to ever offer the quality education that is going on at APA and now their second campus.
First off, Charters when fully functioning like APA get down to the business of learning. There are few time fillers like assemblies or videos that detract from the curriculum. The only time those sort of things are used is when they enhance the learning and have been approved by administration. Those time fillers are the norm for your standard school. Secondly, Charters devote resources to make smaller group instruction the norm for all students. Thirdly, group recitation and choral responses are quite rare in non-Charter classrooms because teachers believe Direct Instruction takes away from their academic freedom.
APA and other top notch Charter schools do not publicize themselves like Canyons School District, nor do they recieve the same level of funding to burn through as a school aligned through a District either.
Your claims that "Everything spoken of in this article is already being done by local elementary schools," is woefully ignorant. While many District schools have some very solid programs, they waste too many resources (financial and student time namely) to ever offer the quality education that is going on at APA and now their second campus.
First off, Charters when fully functioning like APA get down to the business of learning. There are few time fillers like assemblies or videos that detract from the curriculum. The only time those sort of things are used is when they enhance the learning and have been approved by administration. Those time fillers are the norm for your standard school. Secondly, Charters devote resources to make smaller group instruction the norm for all students. Thirdly, group recitation and choral responses are quite rare in non-Charter classrooms because teachers believe Direct Instruction takes away from their academic freedom.
Clarification | 11:01 a.m. Sept. 27, 2009
There are no public schools doing what APA-SNA is doing with regard to our
curriculum and methodology. Our academic program (what a school is created to
provide) is not being used by ANY public school that we are aware of.
We would love you to come and see what we are talking about! It is unique and fun to watch, regardless of what you may personally decide your opinion of it is.
We also cost less, not more than the public schools.
We would love you to come and see what we are talking about! It is unique and fun to watch, regardless of what you may personally decide your opinion of it is.
We also cost less, not more than the public schools.
Howard Headlee | 11:02 a.m. Sept. 27, 2009
My name is spelled "HEADLEE". Yes, my two sisters and I decided 8
years ago to start American Preparatory Academy. Your comments aren't so
much offensive to me because it has been one of the most rewarding endeavors in
my life and I am proud of what we have accomplished as demonstrated by our test
scores and numerous families who are grateful for what we have provided their
children. However, your comments are an offense to the other board members who
play an integral role in the operation and oversight of the school. I am sorry
you felt like an outsider. It's obvious we haven't succeeded at
everything.
Michelle Speckman | 4:05 p.m. Sept. 27, 2009
To: Anonymous "That charter sure got the message out to the employees and
parents". . .
So, let's say that all of the positive comments WERE from employees or parents. Does that somehow make them less valid? Does the fact that parents or employees (who actually know what goes on in a school) are willing to step up to the plate and comment positively about it make those comments less true?
I'm surprised that you think parents are so easily duped. They want what is best for their children. If they can see the difference in education that this school provides vs. that provided from their traditional public school then so much the better. Why would that be a bad thing?
So, let's say that all of the positive comments WERE from employees or parents. Does that somehow make them less valid? Does the fact that parents or employees (who actually know what goes on in a school) are willing to step up to the plate and comment positively about it make those comments less true?
I'm surprised that you think parents are so easily duped. They want what is best for their children. If they can see the difference in education that this school provides vs. that provided from their traditional public school then so much the better. Why would that be a bad thing?
Confused | 4:18 p.m. Sept. 27, 2009
I'm not understanding the controversy here.
My aunt is a kindergarten teacher in a traditional public school. She said that her hardest job is trying to teach students who don't speak a word of English at the same pace as kids who have spoken the language all their lives. She either concentrates too much on the ESL students at the expense of the rest of the class or concentrates on the rest of the class leaving the ESL students behind.
So, if there's a school willing to take on this challenge . . . AWESOME. I can't see the negative impact here. It will provide these students with a first rate education without slowing our traditional classrooms down. So, why is everybody so angry about it?
My aunt is a kindergarten teacher in a traditional public school. She said that her hardest job is trying to teach students who don't speak a word of English at the same pace as kids who have spoken the language all their lives. She either concentrates too much on the ESL students at the expense of the rest of the class or concentrates on the rest of the class leaving the ESL students behind.
So, if there's a school willing to take on this challenge . . . AWESOME. I can't see the negative impact here. It will provide these students with a first rate education without slowing our traditional classrooms down. So, why is everybody so angry about it?
Brenda Huff | 4:22 p.m. Sept. 27, 2009
My family was lucky to be chosen in the lottery the 1st year APA opened and are
now in our 7th year at APA. I did not know Carolyn Sharette before we attended
APA. I am not family but have loved and appreciated our APA experience and am
sad our time at APA will end after next year. I now consider Carolyn a friend
and I admire her and her family and all they have accomplished. They work hard
to provide such an excellent learning environment. APA offers a superior
education with less money and I believe SNA will also be successful.
Fred | 4:30 p.m. Sept. 27, 2009
Every time we see an article about a charter school is written all the charter
school fans come out of the woodwork to talk about how the do it better with
less funding, implying that they play be exactly the same set of rules as your
neighborhood public school. That may be slightly less than accurate. Each
charter school can establish specific rules within their "Charter".
These rules do a lot of self selecting of students before the lottery ever
occurs. Research has shown that children whose parents are involved in their
schools score higher on standardized testing. What do charters require,parental
participation. They already start with higher performing students. What
happens if those students and parents fail to live up to the rules established?
The students are sent back to your neighborhood public schools. If we are going
to compare charters and traditional, lets make charter schools take all kids
even those whose parents don't participate in their students education.
Don't allow them to get rid of students who don't follow the rules,
then compare test scores. Right now we are comparing apples and oranges.
re: Fred | 5:32 p.m. Sept. 27, 2009
You forgot that the majority of the "less funding" Charter Schools and
their fans tout is money to cover transportation and school lunch. Two things
that many(most) Charter Schools do not offer.
Another "less funding" category is Special Education, while some Charter Schools offer a complete Special Education department, more do not offer any. If a Special Education student was to win the lottery, then these schools would offer Special Education and when the student is gone so is the teacher.
Yet another "less funding" area is elective classes. Charter Schools that include 6-12 or 7-12 in most cases, only offer one set of classes. If they offer instrumental music it will be either band or orchestra but not both, choir is pretty universally offered. If you want to take advanced science, math or English, you are out of luck.
Competitive sports are only offered at two or three Charter Schools, and the legislature keeps trying to make the District Schools include the Charter School students in the District competitive sports programs. Hey if the Charter School is what you want, you don't want competitive sports!
Another "less funding" category is Special Education, while some Charter Schools offer a complete Special Education department, more do not offer any. If a Special Education student was to win the lottery, then these schools would offer Special Education and when the student is gone so is the teacher.
Yet another "less funding" area is elective classes. Charter Schools that include 6-12 or 7-12 in most cases, only offer one set of classes. If they offer instrumental music it will be either band or orchestra but not both, choir is pretty universally offered. If you want to take advanced science, math or English, you are out of luck.
Competitive sports are only offered at two or three Charter Schools, and the legislature keeps trying to make the District Schools include the Charter School students in the District competitive sports programs. Hey if the Charter School is what you want, you don't want competitive sports!
Erika Ward | 5:32 p.m. Sept. 27, 2009
Fred, Did you not notice where these students are coming from? Most of the
parents of these students are working two or three jobs and don't speak
English. How are they starting out at an advantage? How are they self
selecting? This school has busing because many parents don't own cars. I
don't get your comment at all. It makes no sense to me. This school is
really going out on a limb here.
Some positive support for this bold new school is in order! They are doing all of this with LESS money than the traditional public school. Get your facts straight. I believe that in a few years time their test scores will be way above average, because of they way they teach and because of what will be expected of the students. Just watch. Something extraordinary is about to happen :)
I wish all schools in Utah would follow this model. It would change Utah education and achievement for the better. Public schools need to go from "a strange social experiment" to real education. (I'm referring to a quote from Clarence Thomas's autobiography)
--A former public school teacher
Some positive support for this bold new school is in order! They are doing all of this with LESS money than the traditional public school. Get your facts straight. I believe that in a few years time their test scores will be way above average, because of they way they teach and because of what will be expected of the students. Just watch. Something extraordinary is about to happen :)
I wish all schools in Utah would follow this model. It would change Utah education and achievement for the better. Public schools need to go from "a strange social experiment" to real education. (I'm referring to a quote from Clarence Thomas's autobiography)
--A former public school teacher
College | 6:01 p.m. Sept. 27, 2009
Those kids attending APA will go to the same mediocre universities their parents
went to. When APA sends its students on to Ivy League schools, then they can
boast about how much better they are than traditional public schools. Until
then, it's just talk.
Michelle Speckman | 6:21 p.m. Sept. 27, 2009
Fred, While you have a point that parents who send their children to charter
schools are required to volunteer some at the school, you also miss the point
that many of the parents who seek out charter schools do so because they feel
their child's needs are not being met at the neighborhood public school.
While this may attract some accelerated students, it also attracts many students with learning difficulties. Charter schools may have an advantage in the parent involvement arena, but they are not exempt from dealing with learning disabilities.
In this case in particular, the school is recruiting children whose families often don't speak English. You can't tell me they are aiming for the easiest children to teach. It really seems that, while you started with a valid point, your comments don't hold water under scrutiny.
While this may attract some accelerated students, it also attracts many students with learning difficulties. Charter schools may have an advantage in the parent involvement arena, but they are not exempt from dealing with learning disabilities.
In this case in particular, the school is recruiting children whose families often don't speak English. You can't tell me they are aiming for the easiest children to teach. It really seems that, while you started with a valid point, your comments don't hold water under scrutiny.
Jeff Ferlo | 6:54 p.m. Sept. 27, 2009
My children have attended the Draper campus since the beginning. I wanted
something that offered a more individualized education for my children and I
found that at APA. They help both those who are academically challenged as well
as those who are more gifted. I have boys at BOTH ends. Charter schools perform
a much needed place in education. I hear many negative comments about charter
schools and I hope that those individuals are doing their homework before they
make judgments. Some people don't like certain car insurance companies or
airlines or anything else, but I would not be negative about them unless I
researched them and understood what and how they perform their duties and
functions. Many times we just make blanket comments because we don't
understand. I see the education of my oldest son after he left APA to attend a
public school and I wish that APA had a high school for him to attend. I want
him to be challenged academically. Keep up the great work that you are doing
APA. No school is perfect, but we need to do what we can to make the school
that our children attend better.
To College | 10:25 p.m. Sept. 27, 2009
Your comment almost does not warrant a response. But, all I can say is... What do Ivy League Schools have to boast of anyway? The graduates just exploit the poor to make more money for themselves, don't they? When Ivy League graduates start making a difference in the world as Carolyn Sharette and her team are, then they can boast about how much better they are than "mediocre" colleges and universities. Until then, it's just talk!
Do you now see how absurd your comment is? Of course there are Ivy League graduates who make a difference in the world, but there are graduates of every university and college who do also. Surely, students who graduate from APA will go to Ivy League Schools as they come from all over. But, if they choose not to it doesn't mean they didn't get an amazing education! The real test is what they accomplish with their lives!
AJP says... | 12:20 a.m. Sept. 28, 2009
Fred said, "Hey if the Charter School is what you want, you don't want competitive sports)"
I have two daughters that are able to play volleyball, and soccer in Jr. High at APA. Is there public Jr. High volleyball and soccer teams? I don't think so!
Fred also commented on lack of Special Ed. department...
I have a son on the Autism Spectrum, he is at APA this yr. I have already been amazed that my son is participating with all the other children. The direct learning is keeping him engaged in the classroom. I heard him read out loud in his breakout class, and could not stop the tears. He would not do this in public school. Everything is so positive, and he is developing an, "I can do it" attitude. The Special Ed. department at APA (yes, they have one!) is very solutions focused.
Fred--have you seen or heard the APA orchestra and band? They are playing pieces that only are attempted in HS and college! My daughter has played viola for 1 yr. and it sounds like 3-4 yrs.
Oh, how many jr. highs offer Guitar, Latin, Debate, HS level English and Math?
Sherie Holt | 8:49 a.m. Sept. 28, 2009
I am so thankful for school choice and the blessings it has brought to my
family! I am thankful for people who are willing to dedicate their lives to the
education of my children! THANK YOU APA for the exceptional learning
environment, the family atmosphere and the positive vibe that is felt throughout
the school everyday!
I can never understand why people have to be so critical about a system that is obviously working. If you don't like charter schools don't send your children there but don't deny those of us who want a different choice that opportunity. I was on the wait list for 2 years before getting into APA and I am so glad they are expanding and taking their methods to other families. Way to go APA!!
I can never understand why people have to be so critical about a system that is obviously working. If you don't like charter schools don't send your children there but don't deny those of us who want a different choice that opportunity. I was on the wait list for 2 years before getting into APA and I am so glad they are expanding and taking their methods to other families. Way to go APA!!
Anonymous | 9:40 a.m. Sept. 28, 2009
I agree that everything written in this article is already being done in my
local REAL school. They just don't go to the newspaper and beg them to do
a story about how great their school is.
We were glad when the charter opened by us. It took away all of the parents that were causing the problems in the school and put them all in one place. Now the charter sits half empty but my kids classes are much better behaved.
Thanks!
We were glad when the charter opened by us. It took away all of the parents that were causing the problems in the school and put them all in one place. Now the charter sits half empty but my kids classes are much better behaved.
Thanks!
Mc | 11:34 a.m. Sept. 28, 2009
@Anonymous | 9:40 a.m.
I had 10 kids go through the public school system and helped in many many public school classrooms. I now have 4 grandchildren attending APA and believe me your local "real" school is NOT doing what is being done in this charter school! You are only showing your ignorance of both the local school and APA. I can't speak for other charter schools.
What I don't understand is why so many feel threatened by the success of charter schools to the point that they feel they must criticize everything they do. If these schools weren't doing a great job they wouldn't have waiting lists. Parents would not be anxious to drive their kids out of the neighborhood when they could just walk to the local school. Public schools do a great job with the majority of kids, so why should it bother you if the public schools are less crowded because some people find their kids do better at a charter school?
I had 10 kids go through the public school system and helped in many many public school classrooms. I now have 4 grandchildren attending APA and believe me your local "real" school is NOT doing what is being done in this charter school! You are only showing your ignorance of both the local school and APA. I can't speak for other charter schools.
What I don't understand is why so many feel threatened by the success of charter schools to the point that they feel they must criticize everything they do. If these schools weren't doing a great job they wouldn't have waiting lists. Parents would not be anxious to drive their kids out of the neighborhood when they could just walk to the local school. Public schools do a great job with the majority of kids, so why should it bother you if the public schools are less crowded because some people find their kids do better at a charter school?
Me | 11:44 a.m. Sept. 28, 2009
"We were glad when the charter opened by us. It took away all of the
parents that were causing the problems in the school and put them all in one
place. Now the charter sits half empty but my kids classes are much better
behaved."
What an ignorant statement! What kind of trouble are you talking about? Parents seeking better education for their children should not be labeled as troublemakers. I can't imagine what problems they caused for your local school. Expecting a little more effort from teachers, maybe? Expecting a little more discipline? Concerned about poor textbooks? I would bet you're just shooting from the hip with your anti charter school opinions and have no idea what is going on in your local school or in charter schools.
What an ignorant statement! What kind of trouble are you talking about? Parents seeking better education for their children should not be labeled as troublemakers. I can't imagine what problems they caused for your local school. Expecting a little more effort from teachers, maybe? Expecting a little more discipline? Concerned about poor textbooks? I would bet you're just shooting from the hip with your anti charter school opinions and have no idea what is going on in your local school or in charter schools.
to ME | 12:40 p.m. Sept. 28, 2009
Parents that were constantly in the teacher's face wondering how their
perfect child can get anything less than 100%! Parents that were telling the
teachers they didn't know what they were doing even though the teacher had
a degree in education from a University. Parents that demanded to interrupt a
teacher that was in the middle of a lesson so they could give their excuse as to
why their child couldn't do the assignment.
Need I go on?
I realize this isn't all charter parents. Most are there for their kids but almost all of the parents described above disappeared when the charter opened and they all went over there to harass the new school leader. They managed to get the director fired after one year...
Need I go on?
I realize this isn't all charter parents. Most are there for their kids but almost all of the parents described above disappeared when the charter opened and they all went over there to harass the new school leader. They managed to get the director fired after one year...
Bridgit | 2:32 p.m. Sept. 28, 2009
I want to say I can hardly believe the tone of this banter but sadly, it is all
too familiar. This is classic "crabs in the bucket" mentality, you
know, when one crab tries to climb out the others all try to grab on and hold
him back.
Give me a break! Most of you critics are missing the point anyway. The main reason APA is successful is because decisions are made not by a top heavy, disconnected beaureaucracy but by those who are the most interested and invested, by committees of parents. Decision making at the local level by people directly involved and with the most to gain or lose is the most effective way to run a school or for that matter, a government. We should all be taking a great lesson from their success.
Give me a break! Most of you critics are missing the point anyway. The main reason APA is successful is because decisions are made not by a top heavy, disconnected beaureaucracy but by those who are the most interested and invested, by committees of parents. Decision making at the local level by people directly involved and with the most to gain or lose is the most effective way to run a school or for that matter, a government. We should all be taking a great lesson from their success.
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