HANNAH RUTH

Creator Statement

Charter Reform is complex. This portfolio is a compilation of work that explores the challenging ethical, political and practical implications of the private sector's involvement in school reform. Throughout my experience as an educator and policy reformer, I've struggled with understanding the best role that the private sector can play in the goal of achieving quality education for all students. This tension between private and public education is explored through various elements in my portfolio.

I examine the how the current political space can act as an opportunity for teacher diversity reform through a podcast episode with fellow students. I question the presence of the creative arts in charter schools, trying to understand how schools with increased autonomy have continued to eliminate the creative arts from the classroom. I evaluate the implications of rapid charter expansion in a state that has seen success in charter school reform. Finally, my last piece is a critique of how maintaining stark party lines surrounding education reform limits the reformers true ability to make lasting impact in the lives of all students.

Throughout these elements, I am hoping the audience can gain a better understanding of the complexities surrounding charter reform in the United States.