National Microschooling Center's Thursday Bulletin

Hello microschooling friends!

Spring is in the air and in our steps this week! We’re sharing a mix of what we’re thinking about, what we’re building, and what you can tap into right now. From Don’s latest perspective to upcoming conversations you don’t want to miss, to tools and resources designed to make your day-to-day easier, it’s all here and ready when you are.

If you’re in the middle of building, refining, or just trying to stay one step ahead, this is a good one to dig into. And PS, stay tuned for our upcoming issues to find out where you can connect with the Center team this summer!

In this week’s edition: Insurance Webinar (a second perspective), inside the Institute, samples you may have missed and so much more!

Microschools and Government Accountability Programs?

When microschools participate in school choice programs, should states evaluate their performance?  And if so, how should microschools be considered differently than traditional schools? What about microschools with unique missions and models, or those that don’t meet full time? And for the many microschools who seek out children who have not thrived in their prior educational settings, how to make sure they are not disadvantaged by inadequate, limited or inflexible systems of evaluation? This week, Don Soifer’s featured presentation to the ASU+GSV Summit argued why microschools  this and related topics, the focus for this new article.

Insurance Issues?

Microschools are anything but standard and this Hot topic webinar makes sure your insurance approach isn’t either. Join the Center and Jefferson Motto of Veracity Insurance Solutions on Wednesday, April 22nd at 4pm PT/7pm ET for a fast, founder-friendly breakdown of the coverage that actually matters in real microschool environments. We’ll cut through the noise to cover essentials like general and professional liability, dig into the growing importance of cyber coverage, and unpack the gray areas that tend to raise the most questions: think offsite learning, transportation, hands-on activities and home-based programs. If you’ve ever wondered how to get the coverage you need (and what that coverage is) this webinar is for you! Registration is required, register here!

Inside the Training Institute

Have you looked inside the Training Institute yet? The Training Institute is your go-to hub for practical, microschool-specific support built to meet you exactly where you are. Inside, you’ll find on-demand trainings across subjects like measuring impact, operations, governance and more, plus live office hours where you can bring real challenges and get real-time guidance. You’ll also have access to ready-to-use tools and resources designed to save you time and strengthen your program. Whether you’re launching, growing, or fine-tuning your microschool, the Institute is there to support the work behind the scenes that makes everything else possible.

New Year, New Tools

New school year equals new learning tools, and we’re already building the lineup. 

We’re currently reviewing and purchasing learning tools for the upcoming year, and your input directly shapes what makes it into the catalog. The interest form is now live in the member portal, this is where you tell us what you actually need, not what someone thinks you need.

If a tool matters to your microschool, this is the moment to make it known. Please take a few minutes to review and fill it out ASAP so we can prioritize accordingly.

Florida Microschools' Complex Maze of Government Requirements

Florida microschools - be sure to join the Center for two upcoming webinars dedicated to navigating the increasingly complex landscape we need to navigate. Join the Center’s frameworks expert Don Soifer and Florida legal expert Lynn Swanson from the Stand Together Edupreneur Resource Center to learn about zoning and business license approvals, what to expect from PEP funding limitations, and the facts about becoming a designated private school with FLDOE. Join us today, April 16th at 4pm ET (Register here) or Tuesday, April 21st at at 5pm ET (Register here).

Sample Library

Have you taken a look at our sample library in the member portal lately (housed under resources)? We have 12 sample resources for you! Everything from handbook outlines to self-reflections for you and your team to bylaw samples, this is your go-to stop for resources to help you build!

The Can't Miss of the Season!

Take a look for virtual trainings, conferences, local meetups and more!

Register for any event here!

Center Webinars

Navigating Florida's Landscape for Microschools: Thursday, April 16th at 4pm PT ET AND Tuesday, April 21st at 5pm PT ET

Our own frameworks expert Don Soifer is teaming up with Florida legal expert Lynn Swanson from the Stand Together Edupreneur Resource Center! 

Bring your questions about Florida's complex maze of government requirements for this hourlong webinar that will include discussion about topics of importance to Florida microschools. These two sessions will be similar so register for either one that works for you:

Thursday, April 16th at 4pm ET (Register here)

Tuesday, April 21st at at 5pm ET (Register here)

Microschool Insurance 101: The Must-Have Guide for Real-World Learning Environments: Wednesday, April 22nd | 4pm PT/7pm ET

Microschools aren’t cookie-cutter, and your insurance shouldn’t be either. This session brings a fresh lens to the coverage conversation. Join Jefferson Motto, Team Lead for Partnerships at Veracity Insurance Solutions, for a fast-moving, founder-friendly walkthrough of the policies that actually matter when running a dynamic, hands-on learning environment. 

Register here!

Center Virtual Meetings & Office Hours

Virtual: Measuring Impact Design Lab Info Session: Monday, April 20th | 11am PT/2pm ET

Looking to learn more about how to use the Measuring Impact Design Lab? Curious how to submit a project? Want to ask questions? Here's the chance! Join the Center team to learn more! Register here!

Virtual: Prelaunch Office Hours: Monday, April 20th | 3pm PT/6pm ET

This is an open session for any Microschool founders in the ideation or pre-launch phase. Alex will lead conversations, answer questions, and provide help as you decide on your next steps in your process! Register here!

Center Training Office Hours

Virtual: Training Institute Office Hours: Tuesday, April 28th | 1pm PT/4pm ET

If you completed a course through the National Microschooling Center Training Institute, you may now register for one office hour session for the course you have completed. Register here! 

Center Cohort Meetings

Virtual Cohort: High School: Monday, April 20th | 4pm PT/7pm ET

If you are currently running a high school, are considering starting one, or growing your microschool to include high school, join us here! We talk and share about everything high school related - graduation requirements, college entrance, parking for older students, and so much more! Email erin@microschoolingcenter.org for more info!

Have a question? Want to share an idea or resource? We love hearing from you, reach out any time!

Ashley & Don Soifer 

and the team of the National Microschooling Center

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