Conference Wrap Up – Day One

MCPSA Conference Recap – Day 1

The 2011 Missouri Charter Schools Conference kicked off with a welcome speech from MCPSA Executive Director, Dr. Douglas Thaman, and a stunning performance by the Grand Center Arts Academy Show Choir.

In his speech Thaman stressed the need to “take a step back, evaluate what has been working, consider where there are needs for improvement, and together move forward to ensure that every one of Missouri’s children have the high quality, public educational options they deserve so academic success is a reality for all.”

He also took the opportunity to recognize where charters public schools in Missouri are outperforming district and state averages, implementing innovative strategies and best practices and explained how the Association seeks to be a partner to charter schools in Missouri.

Following Thaman’s speech, the show choir from Grand Center Arts Academy (GCAA) gave a stunning three- song performance.   Grand Center Arts Academy opened in August of 2010 and is sponsored by St. Louis University. GCAA is currently a middle school (6-8) and will eventually serve 6-12 grades. GCAA is dedicated to offering world-class training in music, theater, visual art and dance, along–with a rigorous academic program.  The performance at the conference, only the second live performance by the group, received a standing ovation.

The breakout sessions on Thursday afternoon were highlighted by a discussion of the recently released Focus St. Louis report on charter schools.  The session was one of the best attended during the conference and fostered a lively discussion on how to improve charter public schools in the St. Louis area.

Other breakout sessions during this time featured discussions on developing community resources for charter schools, building good relationships between charter school boards and administrators and using the MAP test in primary grades.

Day one of the conference moved into the evening portion of the agenda and began with a reception for all conference guests in the exhibitor area.  This reception gave attendees the chance to meet and network with charter school stakeholders from a wide range of areas.  It also gave them the opportunity to interact with the exhibitors seeking ways to serve the various groups of attendees.

Following the reception attendees were treated to dinner and a strong keynote speech from Kenneth Campbell, President of the Black Alliance for Educational Options, as well as a wonderful performance from the Della Lamb Children of the World Choir.   Della Lamb Elementary Charter School is a year-round elementary charter sponsored by the University of Central Missouri serving students in kindergarten through 7^th grade.  Della Lamb opened in 1999. School leader Judy McGonigle Akers introduced the choir and noted that a large percentage of her students are ELL students from a wide variety of international backgrounds.

After being introduced by Missouri BAEO State Director, Bertha Gilkey- Bonds, Campbell gave a speech focusing on how quality charter schools can help students in underserved areas.  Much of Campbell’s speech drew on his experience leading charter schools for the Louisiana State Department of Education during post Hurricane Katrina New Orleans.  He implored schools and their sponsors to be held accountable for student achievement and to make sure the best interests of children are being put first.

Day One was capped by a private networking reception for charter school leaders, giving them an opportunity to network and share ideas that are working in their school.