IDEA Public Schools Wins 2016 Broad Prize, as Charter Conference Braces For Life After Obama
Nashville, Tennessee
IDEA Public Schools has been honored with the prestigious $250,000 Broad Prize for its dedication to improving the educational opportunities for approximately 24,000 students, mostly of Hispanic and low-income backgrounds, in San Antonio, Austin, and the Rio Grande Valley in Texas.
During his acceptance speech, co-founder and CEO Tom Torkelson passionately defended the education of the undocumented children that IDEA serves. He emphasized that these students, who attend schools located near the U.S.-Mexico border, deserve recognition and respect from their fellow citizens. Torkelson highlighted that despite not being able to choose where they were born, these students actively made the decision to pursue education. He challenged the audience by asking, "How much more American do you want us to be?" ( previously reported on IDEA’s plans to expand nationally in the upcoming years)
Continuing the tradition of previous Broad Prize winners, Torkelson announced that IDEA would share the $250,000 award with the other finalists, YES Prep from Houston and Success Academy from New York City. He stated that all three charter networks would use the funds to support undocumented students and advocate on their behalf. The Broad Prize is given to the charter network that demonstrates the greatest impact on student achievement, narrowing achievement gaps, and increasing graduation rates.
The atmosphere in the grand ballroom at the National Charter Schools Conference held in Nashville’s Music City Center was filled with enthusiasm and determination when the prize was announced. This year marked the 25th anniversary of the first charter school law in the United States, adding additional significance to the conference. Over 4,000 teachers, school leaders, policymakers, funders, and education advocates gathered to discuss the future of charter schools. ( highlights the most important sessions of the 2016 conference)
Nina Rees, CEO of the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools, took advantage of the occasion to call for the enrollment of an additional 1 million students in charter schools over the next five years, aiming to reach a total of 4 million students. Rees expressed concern that too many children remain on waiting lists to enroll in charter schools or do not have access to high-quality charter schools in their neighborhoods.
Rees also pointed out that charter school supporters are facing challenges in the realm of social media, where negative mentions of charter schools outnumber positive ones by a ratio of three to one. Additionally, she mentioned the need for better response strategies against opposition in politics. Rees asserted that charter school advocates need to focus on offense rather than defense, especially with the upcoming change in the federal government and a new president.
During her speech, Rees humorously referred to the differing positions of the Democratic and Republican candidates. She stressed that the Senate and House races needed to be given greater importance, as any change in the White House could have an impact on charter schools.
The attendees in the ballroom were twice asked to send a text message with the code 52886 to show their support for charter schools and to have their voices heard by both Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton.
The keynote speaker who captivated the audience the most was Howard Fuller, a scholar, civil rights activist, and influential figure in the charter school movement. Fuller’s passionate speech touched on various topics, from religious scripture to the challenges faced by children in poverty. He also addressed the division between the more liberal and conservative forces within the charter school movement.
Fuller emphasized that, at 25 years old, the charter school movement should celebrate its successes while also acknowledging and addressing the failures within the system. He urged the audience to appreciate the individuals working tirelessly for children’s education while condemning those who exploit charter schools for personal gain at the expense of children’s well-being.
"In this great nation of America, there are times when we must engage in a struggle. It is not always possible for everyone to harmoniously coexist," Fuller expressed. "However, it is essential for the sake of our children that we remain present and work together to find common ground on the aspects we agree upon – specifically, recognizing the value of charter schools."
Note: The Walton Family Foundation is partially involved in funding the National Alliance for Public School Charters conference and . Campbell Brown, the editor-in-chief of , serves as a member of the Success Academy’s board.
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