Dr. Howard Fuller ignites African Methodist Episcopal church

BAEO Beat M AY 2 0 1 2

the Ohio

Dr. Howard Fuller ignites African Methodist Episcopal church conference participants as BAEO continues its mission to engage the clergy community

The function of education, therefore, is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. But education which stops with efficiency may prove the greatest menace to society. – Martin Luther King, Jr.,

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hese words of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Junior spoke to the travesty of education that failed to empower a community; which proved to be the greatest detriment to society. On April 12, 2012, Dr. Fuller ignited an audience of clergy and laity at St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church in Cleveland, Ohio who listen intently regarding injustices that have been unveiled in the educational systems of America. Fuller exuded a very open conversation regarding the current climate in education, specifically as it relates to Urban Education. He reminded participants of African Methodism’s’ involvement in social justice while bringing to their attention the struggles of today. Candidly, Dr. Fuller revisited his own experiences as superintendent of Milwaukee Public Schools, coupled with current incidents of injustice that have stripped many Black children from thriving within many

inner city schools. It was clearly conveyed that a great travesty would be an inevitable result if the Black church did nothing to avail itself during this struggle for justice on behalf of low income and working class black families. Particularly since many of them simply desire access to high quality educational options for their children. Shortly following Dr. Fuller’s presentation, the Rev. Dr. James Harris, Presiding Elder of the Cleveland District applauded his efforts to inform conference participants of disparities that exist in education. Dr. Harris encouraged every church in his district to immerse itself in BAEO’s mission while also emphasizing the significance of being members of the organization. Because of the AME churches support Ohio BAEO received more than $425 in new members support.

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Ohio BAEO encourages Dayton area private school participation in the Jon Peterson Scholarship

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n Tuesday, March 20, 2012 Ohio BAEO assembled private school administrators for a luncheon at Mr. Hymans Fine Dining to gain insight regarding participation in the new Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship Program. The meeting agenda was organized around an informal discussion of school participation, common issues and challenges along with shared strategies. Private school administrators were able to gain information that would benefit staff and students alike. In attendance were principals and administrators representing several of the EdChoice and Autism participating private schools in the Dayton area. Also joining the discussion was Christopher Pastura, Director of School Strategic Planning from the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. Because of his knowledge of the Jon Peterson

Scholarship and his participation in the training offered by the Ohio Department of Education he was able to assist BAEO with dispelling some of the misconceptions around school accepting the scholarship program. Mr. Pastura gave a brief presentation on how to access the scholarship application while Ohio BAEO provided step-by-step instructions on how to navigate the application portal. The Jon Peterson scholarship provides parents of children with special needs or learning differences, access to special education programs outside of their residential school districts, encompassing services outlined in their individualized education program (IEP). “Great job BAEO! Thanks for hosting the luncheon, the information provided was very much needed and helpful”, Mary Ruth Shearer, Admissions Director Archbishop Alter High School.

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Parents convene in Columbus and Cleveland for BAEO’s School Expo

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n March 10th and 17th, the cities of Columbus and Cleveland were host to Ohio BAEO’s School Expo at the King Arts Complex and the Gunning Recreation Center. School Expo is an opportunity for the education community to share information with families and individuals about programs under one roof. Participants included organizations from public charter and private schools, social service organizations, and members from the business community. The spirit of Expo takes into account that the development of low income and working class families is vital to Black community advancement. Parents were engaged about options that exist within their own communities which can prove helpful when making informed choices regarding a child’s education. The theme of Parental Choice was a common thread for both events. Parents had an opportunity to seek information and ask questions about school’s curriculum and programs along with dispersing information on

the Ohio EdChoice Scholarship program, Cleveland Scholarship and Tutoring Program, the Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship program, tutoring programs, pre-school options, before/afterschool options for working parents, and post-secondary education programs. The event received an added lift by Radio One personalities who were successful in drawing community attention toward the event by interviewing Ohio BAEO Staff regarding the organization’s mission, programs, and policy interest. Overall, Expo certainly met the expectation of parents in both cities, allowing for some meaningful discussion and exposure to schools in both charter and private school communities. Many parents agreed that schools availing themselves in this manner gave way to the potential of gaining access to attending some of the areas high performing charter and private institutions.

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Breakthroughs making it happen in Cleveland

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hen considering high performing charter schools in the State of Ohio, Breakthrough Schools are at the top. During a recent visit to several of the Breakthrough Schools which included Citizens Academy, E-Prep School, Village Prep, and the Near West Intergenerational School, I realized that there was definitely something special about each school. It has been stated that one can learn much about a school within the first 5 minutes of entering. Upon entering these schools I can only imagine what many our Black parents must have felt like when visiting for the first time. Well, I am a witness to the hope which exists within Urban Education. Our kids are deserving of hope and opportunity, without question, these institutions are doing their very best to ensure each student’s aspirations are preciously protected and respected. I am reminded of the words of George Washington Carver: “Education is the key to unlock the golden

door of freedom.” It is apparent that Breakthrough Schools have placed their hands upon the keys and are unlocking doors of new discovery for its students. There are no perfect panaceas for education; however, there are some models that demonstrate true success within the inner city where gaps are being closed and Black students are academically out performing their suburban counterparts. Yes, this is taking place at Breakthrough Schools. When asking staff what are one of the major keys to their success, overwhelmingly teachers and administrators replied, passion. I must admit that I believed them because when I looked into the eyes of these young people who smiled, who walked with a strong sense of integrity, who were excited about the learning process it was then I realized that our babies were embracing the promise of their own breakthrough.

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Ohio BAEO continues to share scholarship information with parents

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uring the month of March, Ohio BAEO has held two parent workshops designed to inform, educate and guide parents through the process of obtaining the Edchoice Scholarship and applying for the Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship Program, (JPSNS). More than 42 parents left the workshops with knowledge of the application process as well as tools to help them choose the school that best fits their child’s needs. EdChoice provides children in under-performing public schools the ability to attend a state-approved private and parochial school of their choice. Currently, more than 15,000 students receive the Edchoice scholarship. The (JPSNS) gives parents of students with special needs and who have an Individualized Education Plan

(IEP), the option to attend a private school, receive services at private therapist and other service providers. In addition, families can choose the options to attend other public schools outside of the students’ home districts. To date more than 18,000 applications have been submitted to the Ohio Department of Education (ODE) for both state-funded scholarship programs. According to ODE over 17,000 applications for the Edchoice Scholarship Program were processed which included 3,814 new applicants. The department received 1,544 first-time applications for the (JPSNS). Ohio BAEO believes that parents who are armed with the facts, informed about their choices and educated on all the options will ultimately make the best “quality” decisions for their children.

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Ohio BAEO participate in the Cleveland Transformation Plan Press Conference

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n Wednesday, April 25, 2012, Ohio BAEO joined local and national community and education reform organizations including the Thomas B. Fordam Foundation, Ohio Catholic Conference, and Ohio Alliance for Public Charter Schools, Ohio Catholic Conference, School Choice Ohio and Students First at a press conference to express support for Mayor Jackson’s plan to improve the education being received by Cleveland students. Also present were the elected officials responsible for SB 335 Senators N. Turner and P. Lehner (R-Kettering); and HB525 Reps. R. Amstutz (R-Wayne County) and S. Williams (D-Cleveland). The Cleveland Transformation Plan will put the Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD) on the path to provide every child with an excellent education. Strengthening partnerships with high-performing charter schools, cracking down on lowperforming charter schools and giving more flexibility to successful district schools are just a few of the components detailed within the plan. Tracie F. Craft, State Director of the Ohio Black Alliance for

Educational Options, shared her perspective about the critical need to reform Cleveland schools and the importance of doing it now. She further expressed that “Though we recognize this plan may not remedy all of the challenges that currently exist within the district we certainly commend Mayor Jackson for his courage to bring forth such a bold plan that will allow CMSD to begin moving in the right direction towards academic success and quality options for all students.” Senator Turner greeted BAEO parents after the press conference and stated, “I am so thankful that you have taken time to come out and support this plan, you being here means a lot.” Ohio BAEO parents had the opportunity to meet with various legislators to express their gratitude and also share concerns and encourage support of the Cleveland Transformation Plan. In the coming weeks, Ohio BAEO will be hands-on in creating opportunities for dialogue within the Cleveland community around this very important issue. It is our hope that the legislature, charter schools and the community can come to a consensus around what will be in the best interest of the children.

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BAEO parent offers testimony at Ohio Senate and House hearings “By passing this legislation, the state will be taking major steps toward improving our schools and making sure that our children receive the quality education that they need and deserve.” – James Smith

Photo: from left to right, James Smith, Shaeneal Gaither, Mr. Turner, Sen. Turner, Micah

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Photo: from left to right, Ron Amstutz (R-3rd District), Sandra Williams (D-Cleveland), James Smith (parent).

hese words spoken from a BAEO parent could not have been more clear during the Ohio Senate and House hearings on May 8th and 9th in Columbus, Ohio. James Smith, who was accompanied by his fiancée Shaeneal Gaither and son Micah, spoke to the theme of quality education serving as the bottom line for all children. Smith an advocate of parental choice, provided testimony on how his three children are being educated in both charter and private school systems. Smith related that Mayor Jackson’s Transformational Plan is not a perfect plan but it does grant new possibilities. Smith, also a football coach sees firsthand the experience of so many young Black boys who are placed in challenging conditions and expected to succeed. Coach Smith vehemently urged for the passage of HB 525 and SB 335. According to Smith, “By passing this legislation, the state will be taking major steps toward improving our schools and making sure that our children receive the quality education that they need and deserve.” Following his testimony, Smith was engaged in a series of questions from Sen. Nina Turner (D-Cleveland) who asked him to expand on his thoughts of why he supported the Transformational Plan. Turner expressed her disappointment in some members from the Ohio Federal of Teachers who were proponents of spreading falsehoods about the Transformation Plan which abruptly caused misinformation to spread negatively throughout the Cleveland

community. Sen. Turner eluded that she would publically call them out in an effort to halt the spread of such propaganda. The Transformational Plan definitely is not the panacea for education in the city; however, it does allow a chance for lowincome and working-class Black families to experience quality school options that they would not have with the current status quo of education functionality in Cleveland.

ADDRESS PO Box 5699 Dayton, Ohio 45405 4118 Brookside Blvd. Cleveland Ohio 44135

VE TE A S DA E TH

BAEO STAFF Tracie F. Craft State Director [email protected] P 937-222-7990 F 937-558-0744 Ericka L. Murphy State Coordinator [email protected] P 937-275-8393 F 937-275-9557

SYMPOS UM 2013

Shane K. Floyd, Ph.D. Business and Community Outreach Coordinator [email protected] P 440-263-2440 F 216-941-6706

RESOURCES Local BAEO web page: http://ohio.baeo.org School Choice Ohio http://www.scohio.org

MARCH 14-16, 2013

U.S. Department of Education http://www.ode.state.oh.us/

The Peabody Orlando 9801 International Drive Orlando, Florida 32819

Greatschools http://www.greatschools.net Parents Advancing Choice in Education (PACE) www.pacedayton.org

www.baeo.org

Questions contact: [email protected]

OUR MISSION

To increase access to high-quality educational options for Black children by actively supporting parental choice policies and programs that empower low-income and working class Black families.