Friends,
It has certainly been an untraditional start to the school year! The Missouri Charter School Association (MCPSA) deeply appreciates the dedication of the Missouri charter school teachers, leaders, and staff members who quickly adapted to a changing environment and continue delivering a high-quality public education to the children of St. Louis and Kansas City.
We also thank our generous funders whose support continues allowing MCPSA to quickly respond to the needs of our schools, including providing resources, protecting charter school funding, and providing whatever support can be of the greatest help. (Check-out MCPSA's Response to COVID-19)
While the pandemic has tested us all, it has highlighted the unique ability of autonomous, innovative charter schools to respond to the moment. We look forward to an unprecedented school year and thank you for your support.
Sincerely,
Douglas Thaman, Executive Director
MCPSA Welcomes New Director of AdvocacyThe Missouri Charter Public School Association welcomes Christy Moreno, Bilingual Director of Advocacy, to our team! Christy will support the Association’s advocacy and engagement objectives (local and statewide) working collaboratively with Missouri's charter school families and educators toward our mission of a high-quality education for all students. Fighting for supportive public policies and helping our families have a voice in the decisions that impact their lives is at the heart of our work. |
Kairos AcademiesThriving during uncertain times - Gavin Schiffres Kairos Academies St. Louis’ newest public charter school, opened doors in 2019 with the goal of reimagining education to unlock human freedom and potential. The traditional model, we believed, trained children to be docile, following instructions instead of thinking for themselves, forcing them into a one-size-fits-all mold that, in reality, hardly fits anyone. Opening a charter school—effectively making us an independent public school agency, like St. Louis Public Schools (but with less public funding)—gave us the flexibility to explore new practices around student self-direction, personalized learning, and a year-round education. And it worked... |
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Committed to QualityQuality Pilot Program, soon to be available to all members. Last fall, MCPSA introduced the Quality Framework (QF) and Self-Assessment Tool to five pilot schools with the goal of empowering participants to reflect on strengths and challenges while offering targeted support. The pilot schools have completed the assessment and are developing Action Plans to address growth areas and to access a $5000.00 stipend to help pay for services. Later next month, MCPSA will roll out the QF Self-Assessment Tool and and Online Resource Center (ORC) through a new Members-Only portal on our website. This program respects the autonomy of charter educators and provides a strategic guide to increasing quality instruction and operations. |
The Legislative SessionThe 2021 Missouri Legislature reconvenes January 6, 2021. Funding Equity for all public school children remains at the top of MCPSA's political agenda for 2021. Prior to the COVID-19, MCPSA gained significant momentum in the fight for fair funding. During the session, parents, teachers and community members met with elected officials and advocated for Funding Equity, gaining new support and ultimately seeing the bill pass out of committee. Each year a team of charter school leaders and advocates develop our legislative agenda. Learn more about the 2021 Legislative Priorities below. |
