Resources

Jul 16
Sustainability Report Image

Charter School Equity, Growth, Quality, and Sustainability Study

The two-year research study highlights how state policymakers, authorizers, nonprofits, charter management organizations, and individual schools can improve the educational experiences of students with disabilities. The Charter School Equity, Growth, Quality, and Sustainability Study is a research initiative that examines and documents efforts to improve the experiences of students with disabilities in the charter school sector. CLE conducted a thorough study, including scanning journalistic reports, interviewing key experts, and conducting a literature review to identify and explore actions taken by stakeholders. It also emphasized high-leverage practices for students with disabilities, particularly BIPOC students. The study resulted in a series of stakeholder reports and a case study of a dynamic charter ecosystem in Washington State, highlighting how state policymakers, authorizers, nonprofits, charter management organizations, and schools can improve the educational experiences of students with disabilities. In our research, CLE sought to achieve two primary objectives: Understanding Impact on Growth and Sustainability: Investigating how the experiences of students with disabilities influence the growth and sustainability of charter schools. Improving Student Experiences: Identifying actionable steps by key stakeholders to improve the educational experiences of students with disabilities in charter schools. View the Executive Summary State Actions to Improve Education Access and Outcomes for [...]
Jun 03
CLE Ahearn Blog Post Graphic

A Legacy of Impact

As we celebrate our 10th Anniversary, the Center for Learner Equity (CLE) recognizes the legacy of Eileen M. Ahearn, a dedicated advocate for students with disabilities. Eileen’s foresight and commitment to ensuring students with disabilities have equitable access to high-quality charter school education as their peers is the foundation for the work at CLE. In 2019, CLE created the Eileen M. Ahearn Education Visionary Award to honor Eileen’s impact and recognize individuals who have built upon her legacy. Individuals selected for this award have made outstanding contributions to ensuring that students with disabilities are able to access and thrive alongside their peers in inclusive educational environments, charter or otherwise. CLE is proud to announce that Paul O’Neill, CLE’s co-founder and Senior Fellow Emeritus, is the recipient of the 2024 Eileen M. Ahearn Education Visionary Award. Paul’s contributions to special education and charter schools align seamlessly with Eileen’s vision and legacy. His commitment to creating a nonprofit organization dedicated to boldly challenging systemic barriers for students with disabilities has been integral to CLE’s success over the past 10 years, success that translates directly into improved access and educational outcomes for diverse learners in charter schools and beyond. Paul is an education […]

May 20
Inclusive Hiring Blog Post Graphic

Exemplifying Our Values: Inclusive Recruitment

Inclusive hiring isn’t just a trend; it’s a strategic imperative for any innovative and proactive organization today. It goes beyond compliance; it’s about recognizing the inherent value that inclusivity and diversity bring to an organization. It is committing to actively seeking out individuals from different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. Understanding Inclusive Hiring: At its core, inclusive hiring is about creating equitable opportunities for everyone, regardless of any seen or unseen characteristics. Inclusive hiring recognizes the systemic barriers in our society that may prevent certain groups from accessing employment opportunities. It is a daily commitment to fostering a workplace culture where everyone feels respected, valued, and empowered to contribute their best. Recruitment systems must be structured to combat the inequity that has been normalized within the human resource industry. At the Center for Learner Equity (CLE), we recognize the difference between equity and equality; anything short of belonging and justice is not enough. The Business Case: While our drive and desire to pursue equity because of value alignment is enough, a strong business case can also be made.  Research has consistently shown that diverse teams outperform their industry peers in terms of innovation, problem-solving, and overall performance¹. When you bring together […]

Mar 13
Feb 15
Classroom with children raising hands

Model Policy Guide – 2nd Edition | Model Policies for Equitable Access and Quality Opportunities for Students with Disabilities in Charter Schools

With their increased autonomy and flexibility, charter schools can be a promising educational option for students with disabilities. However, during the inception of the charter movement, very few people were focused on ensuring that state charter school policies addressed the needs of students with disabilities.

Feb 15
special education teacher vacancies minnesota

CLE Senior Policy Fellow Wendy Tucker Quoted in The 74 Million

This analysis by The 74 shows Minnesota could fill its vacancies three times over if it lured back special ed teachers from less-grueling regular ed classrooms. Wendy Tucker, CLE’s Senior Policy Fellow, is quoted in this article to help illustrate the challenges students with disabilities face every day.

Feb 15
Graphic of broken pencil tip

CLE featured in the 74 Million’s “24 Most-Read Essays of 2023”

Thanks to The 74 for including this article examining why our society is willing to accept failure for an entire group of students, which was co-authored by David Flink, co-founder and CEO of Eye to Eye, and CLE’s Lauren Morando Rhim. We are honored to be included among some of America’s most prominent names in education who tackle some of the thorniest issues facing the country’s schools.

Dec 07
Classroom Desks

Shifting the Tide: Exploring Centralization of Services for Students with Disabilities in New Orleans

In response to persistent challenges associated with ensuring that New Orleans’ families and students with disabilities can access high-quality supports and services across the city’s uniquely decentralized, all-charter school system, The Center for Learner Equity (CLE) sought to understand the root causes of these challenges and surface viable systemic solutions through in-depth interviews with local stakeholders.