F.A.C.E. to FACE   F.A.C.E. BULLETIN 7/20/07     July 19 , 2007 Dear Friends, Thousands of New Scholarships Available for Low-Income K-12 Students (More scholarships available! See bottom of Newsletter!) It is with great sadness that we inform those who have not heard that Dr. Carlo Rodriguez, Executive Director of the Office of Independent Education and Parental Choice, passed away the end of June. He was a passionate and dedicated advocate for making a difference in the education of Florida's struggling children and in helping them receive the most equitable education possible. Carlo was the head of the charter school office of the Miami-Dade public schools and a member of the Board of Directors of NACSA until last year, at which time he assumed the leadership of the Florida Department of Education's Office of Independent Education and Parental Choice. Students on the Step Up For Students Program are featured in articles in the Jacksonville Free Press, Floida Sentinel Bulletin and The Weekly Challenger. The Tallahassee rally video is up! Share this link <http://www.youtube.com/flacetampa> Co-sponsored by State Policy Network and the Alliance for School Choice, the Education Exchange is a quick-read update on events in education - in the states and nationally. Below are the latest education resources and news. There are five days to vote for Cure Autism Now which is listed on the top 25 projects of American Express' " The Members Project". Please consider going online to http://email.americanexpress.com <http://email.americanexpress.com/> and vote, it is free. You can get more information once you login. Please share with as many folks as you can. Thank you for Stepping Up For Students, Michael A. Benjamin Executive Director, F.A.C.E. Florida Alliance for Choices in Education ________________________________   Remembering Carlo Rodriguez 6/26/07 Dear Friends and Colleagues, Carlo Rodriguez, a passionate advocate for improved education for children in Florida and throughout the nation, passed away unexpectedly this weekend. Carlo was the head of the charter school office of the Miami-Dade public schools and a member of the Board of Directors of NACSA until last year. Late last year, he assumed the leadership of the Florida Department of Education's Office of Independent Education and Parental Choice, expanding his work beyond charter schools to also include scholarship programs, virtual schools, supplemental educational services and a range of additional choice options. Carlo brought valuable insights to NACSA during his time on our board and continued to support NACSA's work in Florida from his position with the Department. His contributions went far beyond thoughtful and passionate advocacy. He fought the tough, day-to-day struggle inside large, difficult school systems, working tirelessly to expand quality school choice options for children. During his years on NACSA's Board and because of NACSA's current work in Florida, NACSA's staff and I worked closely and talked frequently with Carlo. Carlo, it seemed, was always upbeat, but never naïve; always fighting, but never combative. Carlo loved life, lived it fully and shared that love with others. His contributions to charter schools and to NACSA are greatly appreciated. He will be sorely missed. Greg Richmond President National Association of Charter School Authorizers 105 W. Adams St., Suite 1430 Chicago, IL 60603-6253 312/376-2327 direct www.qualitycharters.org <http://www.qualitycharters.org/> ________________________________   Step Up For Students Providing Successful School Choices for Local Parents Through Scholarships July 5--Ethan Cadore, 17, of Jacksonville, made his final appearance at Seacoast Christian Academy in Jacksonville on May 25 to get one last thing-his diploma. Cadore's graduation was an achievement that seemed impossible just five years ago due to his wavering academics. Cadore has been on a Step Up For Students Scholarship, locally administered by Children First Florida, since he was in eighth grade. Prior to being awarded the scholarship, Ethan was making F's in math and his grades in his other classes also were declining. "I found myself getting very frustrated because I was not receiving the individual attention to address my questions," Cadore said. "I think it was mainly due to the large classroom size of nearly 30 kids, and the teachers just didn't have time to answer all of the students' questions." Joy Worrell, Ethan's mother, feared that his struggles in school would only get worse. However, as a single parent raising two children on a limited income, Worrell knew she could not afford to send them to private school. "It was always my goal to send my children to private school," Worrell said. "My boss heard about the Step Up For Students Scholarship on the radio and encouraged me to call. I am so happy I did because Ethan and Tyla, who is now in seventh grade, went from D's and F's to A's and B's." Cadore's performance in school increased drastically over the past five years. He no longer struggles with math and earned his place on the A-B honor roll at Seacoast Christian. Cadore was a valuable member of the school's basketball team and served as a teacher's aide. "My experience at Seacoast Christian was very memorable," Cadore said. "Everyone was very friendly, it was almost like a family atmosphere there. The classroom sizes are smaller and the teachers are dedicated to ensuring that all of the students' needs are met." As a graduating senior at Seacoast Christian Academy, Ethan was in the top 10 percent of his class academically and looks forward to attending college next year to pursue a career in law. "I am excited, I will be attending FCCJ for one semester, then I will transfer to Southeastern University in Lakeland," Cadore said. "I plan on majoring in pre-law and then practicing criminal justice law." Cadore has become a very motivated young man, driven by a strong determination to accomplish all of his goals. The Step Up For Students Scholarship Program has been a life-changing experience for Ethan's family and he is very thankful for those who have made it possible for him to reach his full potential. Over 5,000 new Step Up For Students Scholarships for low-income families are currently available for the Fall 2007 school year. Don't delay and join nearly 17,000 students on the scholarships that can be used at over 900 private K-12 schools in Florida. For more information, please visit www.stepupforstudents.com/parents.htm or call (866) 739-1197. Ethan Cadore ________________________________ <http://www.sun-sentinel.com/> After Rocky Start, Twins Confident About Future After High School JUNE 19--On June 2, twins Arielle and Alliece Spencer of Valrico, 17, donned caps and gowns and proudly accepted their diplomas from PACE Private School in Tampa-an achievement that seemed impossible due to their previously wavering academics. Over 5 five years ago, Gaetana Spencer, divorced mother of three, began to search for educational alternatives because her twin daughters struggled to pass their classes and failed fifth grade in their public elementary school. "My girls tried hard, but due to a lack of individualized attention in their trouble areas of math and reading, Arielle and Alliece continued to struggle," Gaetana said. "Arielle's battle with math lowered her self-confidence and caused her to become introverted. I didn't imagine getting through fifth grade let alone high school." After visiting PACE Private School in Tampa, Gaetana learned about Step Up For Students Scholarships, which are available to help low-income parents send their children to private school, or an out-of-district public school. Gaetana eagerly applied and upon receiving the scholarship, Arielle and Alliece began at PACE Private School. "I can still remember my first day, " Arielle recalled. "I was initially very shy, but by the end of the day I felt like I had been there forever. Everyone was very nice and friendly." Gaetana noticed vast changes in her daughters' grades, self-esteem and motivation the first year they attended PACE. As a result of the encouragement they received from their teachers, Arielle and Alliece began to believe in their own abilities, and both girls were on the honor roll by the end of that first year. "The teachers were able to spend time and provide step-by-step math instructions, so I was able to better understand it," Arielle said. "I grew more confident in my abilities as a student and it showed through my honor-roll grades." The Spencer girls excelled at PACE Private School for five years on the Step Up For Students Scholarship and will now pursue a higher education and explore career opportunities in the real world - a part of their life that they are now better equipped for thanks to the education and guidance they received at PACE. "I really enjoy science, so I am hoping to purse a career in forensic science at University of South Florida," Alliece said. This career path would be very interesting to me and science is one of my strong areas." Arielle and Alliece look forward to continuing their education at a local university, which will be determined by scholarships that they are awarded. "I want to continue my education in childcare at Hillsborough Community College, but that I am exploring all of my options right now," Arielle said. "I plan to get my license for child development and become a teacher." Over 5,000 new scholarships are currently available for the Fall 2007 school year. Don't delay and join nearly 17,000 students on the scholarships that can be used at over 900 private K-12 schools in Florida. For more information, please visit www.stepupforstudents.com/parents.htm or call (866) 739-1197. Alliece Spencer Arielle Spencer ________________________________ TOP STORY: PA Victory for School Choice ~ National Momentum hits 40 States and Counting In a significant victory for Keystone State families, the Pennsylvania legislature last night approved a $16 million increase in the state's Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program, the largest increase in the program's history. The program provides tax credits to companies that contribute to scholarship-granting non-profit organizations. Last year, more than 33,000 Pennsylvania children benefited from EITC-related scholarships. In a vote that passed by significant margins and with bipartisan support, the legislature increased funding for the program from $59 million to $75 million. The program's new funding levels are: $44.7 million for scholarships, $22.3 million for innovative educational programs in public schools, and $8 million for pre-Kindergarten scholarships. Not only is this the largest expansion in PA history, this legislation marks another momentous moment for school choice: In this legislative year, 40 states have considered some form of school choice legislation! More info... <http://www.allianceforschoolchoice.org/more.aspx?IITypeID=3&IIID=3396> Other State School Choice News: In Georgia, the new school choice program is on a fast track to implementation and making sure parents have choices available as soon as possible. Georgia State Board of Education unanimously adopted list of 114 private schools to accept Georgia Special Needs Scholarship for 2007-08 school year. Parents may now begin to receive their scholarships. Approximately 3,300 have filed applications for the school year that starts in 30 days! NEW RESOURCES/EVENTS THIS WEEK: Georgetown Hosts Forum on School Choice <http://explore.georgetown.edu/news/?ID=25620> Georgetown University will host a conference this Thursday on school choice featuring many renowned speakers on the topic. if you are interested in attending - visit the link to view the agenda and registration instructions. The Edifice Complex: Where Has All The Money Gone? (Commonwealth Foundation) <http://www.commonwealthfoundation.org/> A new report on spending in PA public schools and the role of cyber schooling in saving public dollars. The Promise of Special Needs Scholarships Brochure (Alliance for School Choice) The Alliance for School Choice's latest publication is now available in print. A short brochure profiles the incredible stories of families all over the country taking advantage of new special needs scholarship program, as well as the legislation that has passed. Higher Education for Taxpayers (Heritage Foundation) <http://www.insideronline.org/summary.cfm?id=5477> Heritage's newest paper on higher education and its costs. 2007 Freedom and Opportunity Luncheon Featuring Jeb Bush (Maine Heritage Policy Center) <http://www.mainepolicy.org/Default.aspx?tabid=138> The luncheon will feature free market advocate and Florida's former Governor Jeb Bush, click above for details. Faith First Educational Assistance Corporation Celebrates Its 5th Anniversary <http://www.faithschoice.org/banquet_for_school_choice.html> Lawrence Reed, president of the Mackinac Center, will keynote the November event. Get your tickets now! ONLINE WEBINAR: American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence Offers Passport to Teaching Program <http://www.abcte.org/node/1653> ABCTE offers an online program to explore teaching - a program offered from the comforts of your own home or office! RECENT NEWS California's dropout problem <http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/la-ed-dropouts17jul17,0,798106.story?coll=la-opinion-leftrail> (Los Angeles Times) Tax hike may be urged for schools <http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chicago/chi-schooltax17jul17,1,954646.story?coll=chi-newslocalchicago-hed&ctrack=1&cset=true> (Chicago Tribune) Flunking the test <http://news.cincypost.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070717/EDIT/707170307/1003> (Cincinnati Post) Wording set for voter packets on school vouchers <http://www.sltrib.com/news/ci_6374356> (Salt Lake Tribune) Plenty of demand for options in Racine <http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=634353> (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel) NEA Wants to Work With the Candidates <http://online.wsj.com/article/SB118454872779467229.html?mod=googlenews_wsj> (Wall Street Journal) NEA's 'N' Stands for 'No' <http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/07/15/AR2007071501000.html> (Washington Post) No Child is worth Congress amending, keeping <http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/opinion/viewpoints/stories/DN-mckenzie_17edi.ART.State.Edition1.6f61ea.html> (Dallas Morning News) Leaving children behind, again <http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/columnists/chi-oped0718pagejul18,1,2985031.column?coll=chi-news-col> (Chicago Tribune) Schools hit penalty phase of federal No Child Left Behind law <http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20070717/NEWS/707170352> (Sarasota Florida Herald Tribune) ________________________________ =========================================================== WHICH BIG IDEA WILL BE FUNDED? YOUR VOTE COUNTS =========================================================== The Members Project(SM) American Express OUR MONEY. YOUR IDEAS. YOUR DECISION. Over the last few weeks, American Express(R) Cardmembers. Have come together to share thousands of ideas for projects that could better our world. Now we're down to the Top 50 projects and it's time to vote for the project idea American Express will help bring to life. The more Cardmembers who register, the more dollars American Express will donate - from $1 million to $5 million - to put the winning project into action.* You can help us make the biggest impact possible. So, register right now and vote for your favorite project. Take action, visit http://email.americanexpress.com <http://email.americanexpress.com/> ========================================================== * To be eligible to register and participate in The Members Project, you must be a legal resident of the 50 United States or the District of Columbia and at least 18 years of age and the holder in good standing of an American Express Card issued by American Express in the United States. Employees of American Express and their immediate family members are not eligible to submit a project idea. Members Project Terms and Conditions apply. For details, visit: http://email.americanexpress.com/a/tBGk3X6AQB6AABPJLjIAZMZ7y47/axp1 5,000 New Scholarships Available for Low-Income K-12 Students The Step Up For Students scholarship program, administered through Florida P.R.I.D.E. and Children First Florida--Florida Corporate Tax Credit (CTC) scholarship funding organizations, will award approximately 5,000 new scholarships for the 2007-2008 school year to Kindergarten through 12th grade students who qualify for the Federal Free and Reduced Lunch Program. Applicants must be currently enrolled in a public school, unless they are entering kindergarten or first grade. Those who qualify may receive up to a $3,750 scholarship for tuition at an eligible private school of their choice or a scholarship for up to $500 for travel expenses to an out-of-district public school. The scholarships provide a fresh start for students who are not succeeding in their current school setting. This year, $70 million in scholarships will be awarded to qualifying Florida students until funding is exhausted so applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Income limits for scholarship recipients are determined by household size. For example, a family of four can earn no more than $38,203 to qualify. To apply, log on to www.floridapride.org or call (813) 258-2700 for Florida Pride and www.scholarshipfunding.org or call (904) 247-6033 or (407) 702-2607 for a Children First Florida application. The Step Up For Students (Corporate Income Tax Credit) scholarship program provides K-12 scholarships that currently allow almost 17,000 low-income Florida students to attend an eligible private school or out-of-district public school. One hundred percent of corporate contributions go directly to funding scholarships – not a single penny can be used for administrative costs. Children First Florida - Serving Orlando, Central Florida, Jacksonville and Panhandle P.O. Box 54367 Jacksonville, Florida 32216 (904) 247-6033 or (407) 702-2607 cforster@scholarshipfunding.org Alachua, Baker, Bay, Bradford, Brevard, Calhoun, Clay, Columbia, Duval, Escambia, Flagler, Franklin, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Gulf, Hamilton, Holmes, Indian River, Jackson, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lake, Leon, Liberty, Madison, Martin, Nassau, Okaloosa, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Putnam, Santa Rosa, St. Johns, Seminole, St. Lucie, Suwannee, Taylor, Union, Volusia, Wakulla, Walton, and Washington   School Year 07 - 08 Income Eligibility Guidelines Persons in Household New & Add-Ons (185%) Renewals (200%) 2 $25,327 $27,380 3 $31,765 $34,340 4 $38,203 $41,300 5 $44,641 $48,260 6 $51,079 $55,220 7 $57,517 $62,140 8 $63,955 $69,140 9 $70,393 $76,100 10 $76,831 $83,060 11 $83,269 $90,020 12 $89,707 $96,980 13 $96,145 $103,940       For each additional person, add $6,438 $6,960       Effective from June 1, 2007 to June 30, 2008

 

Florida Alliance for Choices in Education (F.A.C.E)

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