Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1103796
more than $6 million to its coffers from its out-of-district charters; the audit noted many of the same concerns. SOLUTION: AB 1507 This bill, by Assembly Member Christy Smith (D-Santa Clarita), closes the loophole that allows a charter school to operate outside its authorizing district and restores the right of individual school districts to have oversight of schools located within their boundaries. Restoring local control to school districts ensures there is transparency and accountability in taxpayer dollars and affords parents and taxpayers the ability to monitor use of these funds. "It is clear that Californians want significant changes in the decades-old law governing charter schools that has allowed small districts to operate charters outside their boundaries, subvert local control, and divert millions away from our neigh- borhood public schools," says CTA President Eric Heins. Assembly Member Christy Smith Charter Moratorium Bill SB 756, by Sen. Maria Elena Durazo (D-Los Angeles), establishes a five-year moratorium on new charter schools, and provides for a study from the Legislative Analyst's Office in the fourth year to evaluate its effects. The primary function of charter schools is to establish locally driven pedagogical innova- tion that supports public education and does not replace or undermine it. Current charter law has not kept pace with charter growth, does not let local districts and leaders control what happens in their own jurisdiction, and allows essential funding and resources to be siphoned away from public schools. A moratorium provides time to reconsider the current regulatory framework. For more information about these bills and the fight against those who are trying to privatize public educa- tion, see kidsnotprofits.com. Advocacy L E G I S L A T I V E U P D A T E " …your game was a remarkable tool. What better way to suggest critical thinking and generate deeper awareness of U.S. culture's white racial frame?" — Kevin Cummins, High School Teacher, Albuquerque, New Mexico "I learned that my whole life I have been treated a certain way by the people around me because I am white, which I had never really thought about before." — White student player " …I appreciate the realistic/practical action-based solutions presented in the game." — African American student player A Free, Educational "Board" Game Addresses racism and white privilege through critical thinking, social analysis, and team-based discussion. Ages 13+ • CCSS-Aligned • Curriculum Included ( Worksheets, Glossary, PowerPoint ) FREE DOWNLOAD at www.roadtoracialjustice.org Created by Kesa Kivel Players will: • Become more aware that racism exists in many everyday situations (interpersonal and institutional) • Learn why the situations are racist (stereotyping, tokenism, cultural appropriation, etc.) • Acquire tools to interrupt these situations in order to help create a more loving and just world