Henderson at the State of DCPS. Photo by DCPS.

DCPS is “on the right track:” In her address on the state of DC public schools, Chancellor Kaya Henderson stressed investing in great educators, rigorous academic content, motivated students, and engaged families. Some were unconvinced by the lack of specifics for improvements east of the river. (Post)

IMPACT is having an impact: Henderson has also hailed a new study showing that DCPS’s evaluation system motivates at least some teachers to improve their performance. The study’s authors said the IMPACT system is working better than some other models, but they didn’t address whether it has an effect on student achievement. Some caution that would-be imitators should carefully examine the reasons for IMPACT’s success. (Post, Business Week, DC Reform Now)

School enrollment increases across the board: Charter enrollment went up 6.2% this year, while DCPS boosted its enrollment by 2%. (Examiner)

Charters expel fewer students: The schools ejected 186 students last year, a 27% decrease from the year before. But the number is still significantly higher than that in DCPS, which expelled only one student during the same period. (Post)

Charter board seeks increased accountability for schools: In response to allegations of self-dealing at Options PCS, the DC Public Charter School Board has proposed clearer rules on which contracts schools must submit to the board and new sanctions on failure to do so. The board postponed a decision on whether to close Options. (Post)

Charter applicant has questionable ties: Harmony School of Excellence may have ties to the Cosmos Foundation, which operates schools in Texas. Some have questioned whether the foundation, which is composed of Turkish immigrants, favors Turkish-owned companies when awarding contracts. (Examiner)

DCPS names top teacher and administrator: Abdullah Zaki, principal at Kelly Miller MS, has been recognized as principal of the year. This year’s teacher of the year is Kathy Hollowell-Makle, a kindergarten teacher at Simon ES. They will be honored at a ceremony on November 4 at the Kennedy Center. (Post)

Old schools are put to new uses: This map shows where old DC schools have been converted to condos, apartments, and mixed-use buildings. (Curbed DC)

Upcoming Events

Kuumba Achievers Literacy Workshop: Afrika Abney will lead workshops for children on Monday, October 21st for ages 5-7 (3-3:30) and ages 8-10 (3:30-4). Register via afrika.abney@yahoo.com. The workshop will be held at the Mount Pleasant Library, 3160 16th St NW.

Education Roundtable: DC Councilmember David Catania is hosting a roundtable on the state of school safety and emergency preparedness in DC. Tuesday, October 22nd at 11 am at the Wilson Building, 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Room 123.

Education Committee meeting: The DC Council’s Education Committee will hold its regular monthly meeting. Wednesday, October 23rd at 2 pm at the Wilson Building, 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Room 123.

Another Education Roundtable: David Catania is hosting a roundtable on the future of Options PCS. Friday, October 25th at 1:30 pm at the Wilson Building, 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Room 500.