April 2013

WELCOME!

Leadership News at PublicSchoolOptions.org

As we continue our work state-by-state during this busy legislative season, we are excited to announce that we do this work under new leadership at the helm! Beth Purcell has been named President of the Board by her fellow board members after serving as Vice President of the Board and as Chair of the PublicSchoolOptions.org South Carolina chapter for four years. Beth brings with her years of education experience having served many years as an English teacher. We congratulate Beth and look forward to hearing more from her as she assumes her new role as president.

Table of Contents
Leadership News at PublicSchoolOptions.org Thank a Teacher Who's Helped You Coalition Strength Brings Results Supporters Shout-Out

Thank a Teacher Who's Helped You

In The Spotlight
Want to recognize a top-performing teacher in your virtual, charter or magnet school? April 2 marks the beginning of PublicSchoolOptions.org's annual American Pioneer of Teaching Award competition. Be sure to visit www.PublicSchoolOptions.org on April 2 to learn more! Upcoming Events Arizona Parents for Education Capitol Day is April 1

Florida Chapter Capitol Day is April 3

Coalition Strength Brings Results

Coalition members in New Mexico came out in force to oppose legislation that would limit school choice for the state's students. Meanwhile, our series of successful Capitol Days continued this month with events in Tennessee, Ohio, Indiana, Oregon, California, Oklahoma, Iowa, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, Washington and New Mexico.

Massachusetts Chapter Capitol Day is April 10 South Carolina Chapter Capitol Day is April 10 Texas Chapter Capitol Day is April 17 PA Families for Public Cyber Schools Capitol Day is May 14

For more information about these and any other upcoming events possibly coming to a city near you, please email us.

Partners and Allies Activity Our allies in the fight for school options issued some encouraging news this month. A report by the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools highlighted that Florida charter school students outperformed their traditional school peers. StudentsFirst.org blogged on efforts to provide more equitable support for California charter school students. A report released by Digital Learning Now! reveals that last year 152 digital learning bills were signed into law, with nearly every state enacting a bill that advanced a digital learning policy. See

PublicSchoolOptions.org Board Member Sandy Smith and Governor Mike Pence attended Indiana's Ed Reform Rocks Rally on March 11.

Supporters Shout-Out
State Capitol Days allow parents and students to meet face-to-face with the government leaders who help make access to school options a reality. A special thanks to Nevada Superintendent of Public Instruction Jim Guthrie, Ohio State Senator Bill Coley, Oklahoma State Senator Ron Sharp and State Representative Lee Denney to name just a few. Still, some lawmakers like Pennsylvania Representative James Roebuck just don't get it.

how yours state stacks up. On Our Reading List The Shreveport Times explores the rise of virtual public schools in Louisiana, former Governor Jeb Bush promotes innovative education in the PittsburghTribune, and three mothers defend the Tennessee Virtual Academy in the KnoxNews.
Senator Coley receives the Golden Apple Award from Ohio eSchool Families and Friends Coalition.

We'd Love to Hear from You! We are always looking for content for our monthly newsletter and blog! Please share your stories or topic ideas by emailing us!

PublicSchoolOptions.org PO Box 3230 Arlington, VA 22203

Opt Out