School choice town hall debates Black control of charter schools

By MICHAEL Z. MUHAMMAD -CONTRIBUTING WRITER-
JUN 12, 2019 - 10:42:04 AM

PHILADELPHIA—Mastery Charter School-Shoemaker Campus in Philadelphia recently hosted a wide-ranging conversation about Black school choice led by noted journalist Roland S. Martin and included a stellar panel of Black educators. The discussion in a town hall format included the politics of school choice, Philadelphia’s Black-White achievement gap, and parent empowerment among other topics.

Journalist Roland Martin (left) and educator Dr. Steve Perry discuss charter school education for Black children at a May 29 town hall, “Is School Choice the Black Choice?” held at the Mastery Charter School in Philadelphia. It was the third stop on a nationwide tour. Photos: Michael Z. Muhammad

The tone for the May 29 discussion was set when Hilary Beard, writer, and researcher in her introduction challenged the audience to “be brave enough to try something new.” The “new” turned out to be self-determination.

The two hours plus event marked the third education town hall in a national series meant to engage Black families on issues of student achievement, parent involvement, and classroom equity, according to organizers. The town hall was sponsored by Mr. Martin and The 74 and started in Indianapolis in December 2018 and will take place in various cities across the country through 2020. The 74 is a nonprofit digital news site covering education in America. Read more here:




School choice town hall debates Black control of charter schools

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