Massachusetts' Paul Reville Looks to Use Federal Charter School Money to Fund Readiness Centers
According to the Department of Education, "The goals of the Readiness Centers are as follows: 1) improve the quality of teaching across the education continuum by increasing the content knowledge of educators and supporting the development and implementation of effective instructional practices; 2) improve the quality of professional development and learning opportunities for educators; 3) maximize existing resources and deliver professional development and instructional services more effectively and efficiently; and 4) drive policy improvements based on the innovative instructional practices that are developed."
Due to the budget crisis in Massachusetts, no finds are available to fund the six Readiness Centers that were approved under this request for Response. At the MASS/MASC when asked how he planned to fund the new Readiness Centers, Reville responded, "I am looking to have the centers qualify for the federal charter school start up funding that is available."
Charter schools receive their initial funding through grants from the federal government. This money is used to establish curriculum, hire personnel, and other essential functions necessary to start a school. If these federal funds are used to create Readiness Centers if will restrict or eliminate funding for new charter schools.
Readiness Centers look to improve education throughout the state, but is it appropriate to fund this with charter school dollars. Across the state, schools and municipalities are making cuts that dramatically effect services with no way to secure alternative funds. Is it fair for the Department of Education to divert funds specifically meant to support Charter Schools?
Published by Ruth Miller
Ruth Miller has dedicated over 24 years to public and private education as a teacher and administrator. As an undergraduate at Boston University, she studied finance. She continued her education in New Hamps... View profile
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