Courtesy of The 74 Million
https://www.the74million.org/
Joel Klein, former NYC Schools Chancellor, discussed his theory of change focusing on creating great schools rather than a great system. He emphasized increasing good schools through charter schools and public school reforms, despite initial resistance. Klein highlighted the success of schools like Eva Moskowitz’s, noting their high performance and the need for more such schools. He addressed the challenges of charter schools, including lack of capital funding and space, and advocated for policies that support their growth. Klein stressed the importance of great schools in high-poverty communities and encouraged young people to create impactful educational change.
Action Items
- [ ] Recruit more good school operators like Dave Levin, Dacia Toll, and Norm Atkins to open charter schools in NYC.
- [ ] Provide charter schools with access to public school facilities to enable their growth and development.
- [ ] Fight for charter schools when the cap comes up in the legislature to ensure they are not stymied.
- [ ] Make changes to the way charter schools are reimbursed for special education to support their growth.
- [ ] Push charter schools to be held increasingly accountable, as the good ones want this.
- [ ] Open up more traditional public high schools with partners like Richard Kahn and Bob Hughes.
Outline
Theory of Change and Focus on Schools
- Speaker 1 explains his theory of change, emphasizing the importance of focusing on individual schools rather than the system as a whole.
- He describes New York City public school system as a large bureaucracy and politics-laden entity.
- The goal was to create more good schools and improve existing ones, regardless of the system’s overall greatness.
- Charters were seen as a way to bring in good school operators, despite the loss of market share.
Implementing Schools of Choice
- Speaker 1 discusses the strategy of opening schools of choice, both charters and public schools.
- He mentions the importance of schools earning their students, a concept rare in public education.
- The approach led to the closure of underperforming schools, both charters and publics.
- The system created a virtuous cycle, attracting talent and students to successful schools.
Controversial Decisions and Career Considerations
- Speaker 1 acknowledges the controversial nature of his decisions, such as bringing in charters and shutting down schools.
- He emphasizes the need for aggressive change to avoid stagnation and improve outcomes for students.
- Career superintendents often avoid such disruptions, but Speaker 1 was not concerned with his career trajectory.
- He highlights the success of his approach, followed by others like Michelle and Kevin Huffman.
Collaboration with Eva Moskowitz
- Speaker 1 recounts his collaboration with Eva Moskowitz, initially marked by mutual respect and shared goals.
- Eva’s efforts to open charter schools and the subsequent union backlash are discussed.
- The importance of providing real estate for charter schools to succeed is emphasized.
- Speaker 1 and his team committed to supporting Eva’s endeavors, despite pushback.
Challenges and Successes of Charter Schools
- Speaker 1 addresses the challenges faced by charter schools, including lack of capital funding and space.
- He advocates for the space to follow the child, similar to how funding follows the child.
- The support provided to charter schools included fighting for their interests in the legislature and changes in special education reimbursement.
- The success of charter schools, particularly those run by Eva Moskowitz, is highlighted as a proof point.
The Importance of Great Schools
- Speaker 1 reiterates the importance of creating great schools, especially in high-poverty communities.
- He emphasizes the need for every child to be in a good school, not just some.
- The impact of great schools on changing the lives of children is underscored.
- Speaker 1 encourages young people to create meaningful change by opening and improving schools.
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