The Ann Arbor Learning Community, an authorized charter
school of Eastern Michigan University, has been designated
as one of the 53 best charter schools in the United States
by the Center for Education Reform (CER).
The Ann Arbor Learning Community is one of only two schools
in Michigan to receive the honor and one of 53 charter
schools nationwide to earn the designation. There are 3,940
charter schools in the United States and all were eligible
for the honor.
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A GOOD WAY TO LEARN: Students at the Ann
Arbor
Learning Community will be happy to know
that the
charter school, run by Eastern Michigan
University,
has been designated as one of the 53
best charter
schools in the U.S. by the Center
for Education
Reform (CER). |
"It's a recognition of continuous outstanding performance," said
Joseph Pollack, director of EMU's Charter School Program.
"We are proud to be recognized as one of the Charter
Schools of the Year," said Jennifer Taylor, dean of the
school. "At Ann Arbor Learning Community, we focus
on the development of the whole child. Through core
academics, environmental education, arts and our community
agreements, we strive to promote in students a lifelong
love of learning. Staff, parents and community members
are dedicated to providing support and encouragement
in helping students to become self-confident, intrinsically
motivated, contributing members of their school, local
and global communities."
The Ann Arbor Learning Community was established in 1998
as a K-6 school with an emphasis on the environment and
fine arts. It is now a K-8 school with approximately 180
students from various socioeconomic backgrounds. The school
serves Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti and surrounding communities,
Pollack said.
"From the beginning, they have been a successful school," Pollack
said. "Their test scores (MEAP) always exceed the state
average."
"We commend all of the honorees for their achievement," said
CER President Jeanne Allen. "They are among the vanguard
of a school choice movement that provides more than 1 million
children an educational opportunity that might otherwise
be unavailable."
Evaluation of the schools proceeded along four themes:
achievement, planning and execution; satisfaction; and
policies and programs. Each theme included additional criteria
(12 in total), such as improvement over time; percentage
of at-risk students served; meeting mission and goals;
and parental involvement.
Charter schools serve more than 1 million students in
40 states and Washington D.C. EMU's charter school program
consists of eight schools.
The Center for Education Reform creates opportunities
for, and challenges obstacles to, better education for
America's communities. Founded in 1993, CER combines education
policy with grassroots advocacy to foster positive and
bold education reforms.
