In September 2005, Volunteers of America of Minnesota launched CharterAmerica – a weekly one-hour webcast dedicated to charter public school news and issues. Hosted by former MN State Senator Ember Reichgott Junge, CharterAmerica interviewed education leaders from around the nation on topics ranging from arts programs to the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

All 22 episodes of CharterAmerica are available for listening online or downloading. If you have questions about the show or problems accessing the audio files, please contact:

Justin Testerman

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To listen to an episode online, click the symbol.
To download an episode, right-click (Mac users: ctrl+click) the symbol and choose Download File.

“Public School Is As Public School Does” – aired 9/14/05
One million kids – and kid number one was a Minnesotan. Across the US this year, approximately one million K-12 students will enroll in public charter schools. Despite phenomenal growth since the nation’s first charter opened in Minnesota, many people still wonder, “What is a charter school?” MN Education Commissioner Alice Seagren and leaders from New Visions School in Minneapolis discuss the public nature of charter schools and how they benefit students, families, and the public education system.

“Leaving the Nest and Learning to Fly: From Home School to Public School” – aired 9/21/05
It is often said “Home is where the heart is,” but what is it like when home is where the desk, chalkboard, tests, and classrooms are? Across the nation, thousands of children are educated at home. Many of those children are also choosing to start public education through charter schools, some going to school for the first time as high schoolers

“Hearing Is Not Always Listening: Deaf Students in Public Schools” – aired 9/28/05
Everyone remembers a teacher telling a class, “You’re not listening to me!” For many public school students, listening and learning are more than hearing what a teacher says. This episode features deaf and hard-of-hearing students from a bilingual public charter school teaching in both English and American Sign Language.

“Rural is More than Just Country” – aired 10/5/05
This isn’t your father’s Mayberry! Across the nation, rural schools and districts are becoming more and more diversified along ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Newly arrived families and long standing communities are demanding new public school options for their students. This week, CharterAmerica talks with leaders at three unique rural charter schools whose families, though different in some ways, all worked for new public choice options and succeeded in reaching their goals.

“The Art of Education” – aired 10/19/05
Are art and music classes just extra? Perish the thought! In this episode of CharterAmerica, we talk with charter public school leaders who are passionate about arts-based schools. They say study of the arts helps students grow and learn in all academic areas. We’ll look at recent budget cuts affecting arts education in public schools, and creative ways to schools continue to make arts opportunities available to everyone.

“And Now a Word from Your Sponsor: The Critical Role of an Engaged Sponsor
in Charter Schools” – aired 10/26/05
Charter school sponsors (also called authorizers) talk with us about the importance of setting clear accountability goals and providing comprehensive oversight to make charter public schools successful.

“Day Trippers: Learning Outside the Classroom” – aired 11/2/05
Remember how you looked forward to that class field trip? Learning came easy on those days. Today, some charter schools have entire learning programs based outside the classroom…like nature-based learning, for example. In this episode of CharterAmerica we talk about the value and challenges of learning programs away from the traditional classroom. Is it possible to offer courses in the mountains or in another city? Find out from educators who are doing it!

“Quality and Creativity: A Powerful Combination” – aired 11/9/05
Do innovative charter schools have to sacrifice quality for creativity? No way! The latest quality research on public charter schools debunks that myth. In this episode, we talk with national charter school experts about the opportunities and challenges in maintaining high quality expectations and performance in charter schools, and what should be done when schools don’t pass the test.

“At Your Service: Service Learning in Education” – aired 11/23/05
Many public schools, including charters, have integrated community service opportunities into their curricula with fascinating results. Ember Reichgott Junge talks with teachers and students from charter public schools who have used service projects to enhance their academic experience and improve their communities.

“Backs to the Blackboard: What Teachers Say" – aired 11/30/05
Remember your favorite teacher? The memory of a great teacher never seems to fade. They are both educators and mentors who impact the lives of students in thousands of classrooms everyday. In this episode, we welcome educators, administrators, and students for discussion on effective teaching and the unique position of teachers in many charter public schools.

“The Best of CharterAmerica: Season One” – aired 12/7/05
Hosts Ember Reichgott Junge and Aaron North discuss the highlights from CharterAmerica’s inaugural season. There were dozens of fantastic interviews with insights and advice from some of the nation’s most influential charter leaders and some of the most creative educators in the nation. If you missed a moment of CharterAmerica, tune in this week for the best of interviews, callers, and commentary.

“Rebuilding New Orleans” – aired 12/14/05
Are charter schools the answer to rebuilding the New Orleans school district in the wake of Hurricane Katrina? Many people, including Louisiana government officials, believe the answer is yes. In this episode, we talk with charter leaders on the potential benefits and pitfalls of making New Orleans the nation’s first charter public school district.

“Is Smaller Really Better?” – aired 1/4/06
In this episode of CharterAmerica, Ember Reichgott Junge talks with charter school directors and students about the benefits of a small school environment. Does the demand for smaller class sizes in most public school systems mean that small schools are the answer?

“Vouchers: Point/Counterpoint” – aired 1/11/06
In the wake of a Florida Supreme Court decision striking down the state’s oldest private school voucher program, CharterAmerica hosts a debate and discussion among national charter school leaders regarding voucher programs.

“Hopes, Fears, and Realities: The Latest Charter School Research” – aired 1/18/06
Members of the National Charter School Research Project at the University of Washington share their latest findings and discuss their potential implications in this episode of CharterAmerica.

“The Changing Face of School Leadership” – aired 1/25/06
New organizations cultivating a generation of educators opening innovative schools and serving students in more ways than ever before.

“Revisiting New Orleans” – aired 2/1/06
In this episode, we take another look at the effects of Hurricane Katrina on the New Orleans public school system and its families. Ember talks with Louisiana education advocates and national leaders on what is being done to repair the damage and keep kids in school.

“Charter Conference Preview: Hot Topics” – aired 2/8/06
A month before the national charter schools convention in Sacramento, CA, CharterAmerica discusses some of the nation’s most pressing charter school issues with leaders from around the country. We also preview the national conference and find out what will be hottest topics at the nation’s largest charter schools gathering.

“Nuts and Bolts of Charter School Finance and Law” – aired 2/15/06
In this episode, Ember talks with charter school finance and legal specialists who provide free advice and guidance to charter leaders on the pitfalls to avoid and the opportunities to grasp in making their schools as strong as possible.

“The National Panel” – aired 2/22/06
Ember talks with national charter school leaders Andy Rotherham, Nina Reese, and Yvonne Chan about the successes and shortcomings of the national charter school movement, as well as trends to watch for over the next decade.

“The National Conference Show” – aired 3/1/06
CharterAmerica talks live with participants and presenters from the National Charter Schools Conference in Sacramento, CA. Lots of insights and stories from the country’s charter community.

“The Best of CharterAmerica: Season Two” – aired 3/8/06
Hosts Ember Reichgott Junge and Aaron North discuss highlights from CharterAmerica’s second season.