Courtesy of: National Alliance for Public Charter Schools
Jim Peyser’s initial experience as a tutor in Boston public schools sparked a realization of systemic issues within the education system. His encounter with Steven Wilson, who was writing about Boston Public Schools, introduced him to the concept of school districts overseeing a portfolio of charter schools managed by others. Peyser transitioned to working at Pioneer Institute, contributing to the development of the charter school sector, which was then a novel idea. Linda Brown was impressed by Peyser’s articulate and youthful approach to policy discussions, especially regarding charter schools, and felt challenged by the prospect of leaving familiar ground to engage in this new educational landscape.
Transcript
Outline
Jim Peyser’s Initial Experience in Urban Public Schools
- Jim Peyser shares his first experience as a tutor at Boston High, which left him with a sense of something fundamentally wrong with the school system.
- He began to learn more about public education and met Steven Wilson, who was writing a book on the Boston Public Schools.
- Steven Wilson’s idea involved school districts overseeing a portfolio of schools managed by others, such as charter schools.
- Jim Peyser transitioned to working at Pioneer Institute, where he was part of the learning curve alongside others, as charter schools were a new concept.
Linda Brown’s Impressions and Transition
- Linda Brown was impressed by Jim Peyser’s articulateness and youth, which made her question her own capabilities.
- She was leaving familiar and comfortable environments to discuss policy and a new concept called charter schools with Jim Peyser.
- The conversation highlighted the challenges and uncertainties associated with the emerging charter school sector.
- Both participants were navigating unfamiliar territory, with Linda feeling the weight of the transition.
