National Microschooling Center's Thursday Bulletin
Hello Microschooling Community!
The incredible and the familiar are two qualities mankind has coveted since ancient times. These days seem no different. We see this often when people, especially people who work within large organizations, come asking us about microschools.
“What are they?” “What about them do people find so exciting?”
And those questions are quickly followed by, “How can I be like you?”
We love the independent microschools that are the forward thinkers who stepped into this space without waiting for permission to solve problems. And we love the school district superintendents we are hearing from who are now stepping boldly into their systems to attempt to break down the barriers that so often stand in the way of truly innovative models in order to provide families with what they are asking for.
There’s room for everyone in this movement and with so many diverse founders and models, there are more and more opportunities for every child to find a setting they thrive in.
Here at the Center, we are grateful for the opportunity to work with founders and committed partners who are making a difference in the lives of their community members.
Microschools, you just keep being great at what you do. The attention you’re attracting is only going to grow.
In this edition: CATO Institute argues microschools and homeschoolers should all be eligible for the federal tax credit scholarships, watch NMC research briefing that had a Harvard conference buzzing, more [Arkansas?] microschools in the news and a Center Resource Fair tonight that comes with some discounts for attendees! Read below for all of the information!
Watch the NMC Harvard Kennedy School Presentation
NMC’s Don Soifer and Daniel Hamlin, author of our recent national report on microschools, their impact and experience, led a standing-room-only presentation at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government’s conference on emerging school models, andyou can watch it here.
“These are the most positive results I've seen on a school climate study," Dan, now dean of the University of Texas School of Education, explains.
Don’s presentation highlights trends among microschools in different states that are related to specific requirements and policy differences microschools in those states must follow.
And some great questions from some beloved leaders from across the movement follow the presentations.
Microschools in the News
The CATO Institute’s Colleen Hroncich makes a valuable, well-researched argument in this new articlethat homeschoolers, including all microschool students participating as homeschoolers, have valid legal standing to be included in the federal scholarship tax credit program, based on her precise analysis of the legislation.
One healthy trend we love to see grow is microschools earning opportunities to partner with local school districts to offer their unique and popular educational opportunities to school district families.This week brought another example, this time in Little Rock withSankofa Learning Academy to expand its “culturally relevant, academically rigorous, community based learning experiences that inspire a love for life, learning, and community efficacy.”
Resource Fair Happening Today!
The Center is hosting our Fall Provider Resource Fair tonight!This event is offered twice a year (fall and spring), so don't miss out! Join us for this one-stop-shop opportunity to hear from and interact with trusted providers who serve the microschooling sector. Complete with special offers for attendees from Redwood Literacy, Bloomy, Prism, and more, this fair is the starting point for diving deeper into resources designed to support you and your learners. Haven't registered yet? You're not too late -register here! See you soon!
Please note: The Provider Resource fair is for Partnership Providers and microschool founders only. If you're a provider interested in learning more about the program, please reach out to katie@microschoolingcenter.org.
In Person Workshops!
Centerville, Georgia, Saturday, October 17th, 9am-2pm
The Center is excited to partner with Middle Georgia to hold a free, full-day how-to microschooling workshop! We are covering all the need-to-knows and Georgia specifics!
Join us for this full-day workshop (lunch is provided!). Location provided after registration.
Nashville, Tennessee, Saturday, November 14th, 9:30am-3:15pm CT
The Center is partnering with Beacon Center of Tennessee for a full-day microschooling workshop! We're covering topics such as Microschooling Trends, Opportunities in Microschooling, Local policy and resources available to founders from Beacon Center of Tennessee, Programming, Teaching & Learning...and so much more!
Join us for this full-day workshop (lunch is provided!). Location provided after registration.
Hot Topic Webinar: The Federal Scholarship Tax Credit Program: What Microschools Need to Know
Join the National Microschooling Center and Andrew Nelms, Student First Technologies Head of Government Affairs & Strategic Partnerships, on November 5th at 4pm PT/7pm ET to learn what microschools need to know about the
upcoming Federal Scholarship Tax Credit Program. There will be a Q&A, so bring your questions! *We do not record our webinars. We highly encourage you to attend to access the content and get your questions answered.
All the Need-to-Know info about Learning Tools and Providers
Considering learning tools, curriculum or other services for your microschool this year? Then you won’t want to miss theAccess Point, the ultimate place for gathering discounts, deals and info!
Provider Resource Fair, 10/15 at 4pm PT/7pm ET: See above for details and to register!
Renaissance Accelerated Reader PF, 10/20 at 2:30pm PT/5:30pm ET: For Renaissance Accelerated Reader users only. Details below in events!
Events You Need to Know About
Take a look for virtual trainings, conferences, local meetups and more!
This is an open session for any microschool founders in prelaunch, ideation phase! The Center's Founder Development Specialist, Alex Roosenburg, will lead conversations, answer questions and provide help as you decide on your next steps in the process of launching your microschool! Register here!
Training Institute Office Hours
Measuring Impact Training | Tuesday, Oct. 20th | 4:30pm/7:30pm
This office hour session is part of the National Microschooling Center Measuring Impact training. This is brought to you by the Center's Training Institute and is only available to those that have completed the Measuring Impact Training.
Led by Dr. Erin Flynn, this cohort is for founders leading high school age students and for founders considering expanding to High School. Please come and join for discussions, insights, and any questions you might have! Email erin@microschoolingcenter.org for more info!
Instructional Leadership | Monday, Oct. 19th |
4:30pm PT/7:30pm ET
Join Tiffany Blassingame, founder of The Ferguson School and NMC National Ecosystem Cultivator, in exploring and planning the critical components of instructional leadership, strategy innovation, and processes for constructive feedback and coaching teachers. Register in the member portal! Limited seats remaining!
Literacy Intervention that Works in a Microschool | Wendesday, Oct. 21st | 4pm/7pm
This is a 6-week, members-only cohort facilitated by Redwood Literacy CEO Kait Feriante. This power-packed series will give microschool founders a practical system for spotting, supporting, and writing a plan for the students with dyslexia already sitting in their classrooms. No structured literacy background is required. This cohort is full.
Professional Development
Renaissance Accelerated Reader PF, 10/20 at 2:30pm PT/5:30pm ET:
PLEASE NOTE THIS SESSION IS FOR RENAISSANCE PURCHASERS FOR THE 26-27 SY.
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