Celebrating The 30th Anniversary Of The Charter Schools Act
In September 1992, Governor Pete Wilson signed the Charter Schools Act (SB 1448). Authored by state Senator Gary K. Hart, this act gave charter schools, parents, teachers, and educators more independence and flexibility to build schools that meet the different needs of all students. Thirty years after the enactment of this legislation, California’s charter public schools have educated more than eight million students and currently serve nearly 700,000 throughout the state.
Charter School Facts
All charter schools are public, free and open to all.
Charter schools are public schools that follow the same state and local requirements as traditional district schools.
Unlike traditional schools, charter schools have the flexibility to personalize a student’s education to meet their needs and prepare them to succeed in college, career and life.
To educate and celebrate the success of charter schools the California Charter Schools Association (CCSA) created an interactive website chartersat30.org.
CCSA wants to share stories from students, parents, teachers and staff! Record a brief video here explaining how the charter school movement has positively impacted your life or your student’s life.
Check out this interactive timelinethat includes charter school milestones from the last 30 years.
March is recognized as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. This recognition promotes the respect of people with developmental disabilities and raises awareness of the barriers that people with disabilities still sometimes face.
Developmental disabilities are defined as impairments in physical, learning, language, or behavior areas. These conditions begin during a child’s developmental period and may impact day-to-day functioning throughout their lifetime. Recent US estimates show that approximately 17% of children aged 3 through 17 years have one or more developmental disabilities, such as ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, vision impairment and other developmental delays.
Watch this video to hear the perspectives of four people with different disabilities.
Women’s History Month recognizes the vital contributions of women throughout history and inspires girls to have the courage to achieve everything they set their minds to.
Get Inspired
Check out these resources including stories on historical women, podcasts, books and activities.
“I have learned over the years that when one’s mind is made up, this diminishes fears; knowing what must be done does away with fear.” – Rosa Parks
Video Lesson
Watch this quick video to learn about the origins of Women’s History Month and how a school teacher in Sonoma County, California helped make it an annual event.
Student Spotlight: Young Tennis Champ Serves Up Success
Emon V. was playing tennis before he could lace up a pair of tennis shoes. Since three years old, he’s been honing his athletic abilities and climbing the tournament ranks as his skills on the court improved.
“I really started enjoying tennis when I started competing,” says Emon. “That’s what pushes me every day to work harder.”
With aspirations of one day going pro, he needed a school that supported his ambitionswhile providing him with the academic skills to succeed in college. As he transitioned into 9th grade and joined the University Prep academy, Emon began balancing his schoolwork with more rigorous tennis training.
“I have a busy schedule,” says Emon. “I couldn’t miss that much time in a traditional school. When I joined Visions, my tennis improved.”
Following the advice of his teacher, Lily Nichols, Emon plans his schedule carefully to complete his work at his own pace,working hard to stay on top of his studies while continuing to push his skills as a tennis player and compete in tournaments. He’s even planning to take community college classesthis fall!
“I appreciate his intrinsic motivation to challenge himself to achieve his best,” says Lily Nichols. “Whether on the court or in class.”
Match Point
Emon’s hard work has not gone unnoticed. This last fall, Emon interviewed at a number of universities interested in enrolling him to play tennis at their school. After being offered admission into Harvard, Cornell, Notre Dame, and UCLA, Emon decided to enroll in UCLA to play tennis upon graduating Visions! He says that while it was a difficult choice, the quality of UCLA’stennis program and his family’s history with the school were the deciding factors. His goal is to start competing as a professional tennis player in college and advance into the Top 100 tennis players in the country. Looking back, he’s grateful for all the support he’s received so far and hopeful about a future that’s looking bright.
“I’m thankful for my parents, family, and friends, and Visions for helping me out with this process,” says Emon. “I’m looking forward to graduating and going to college.”
Grad Spotlight: Student Finds The Perfect Fit At Visions
Taiba Rahmani’s interests have always been eclectic and personal to her. As someone who enjoys spending time in nature and volunteering, Taiba seeks balance between her personal life with her professional and academic ambitions.
Naturally, when it was time to start high school, Taiba and her family wanted a school that allowed her to pursue her interestsand make time for the things that were important to her. A family friend recommended Visions In Education and Taiba started her freshman year where she connected with credentialed teacher Matthew MacKay.
“I thought it was the perfect fit for me,” Taiba says. “My relationship with my teacher and counselor was great. They were extremely helpful and understanding.”
At Visions, Taiba got the experience of managing her timeand taking responsibility for her education. With her teacher’s support, Taiba worked diligently at her own pacewhile making time for her family and personal interests. As a student, she participated in the Find Your Voice writing program which featured her work in a published book alongside her fellow classmates. She also participated in the Folsom Lake College Patient Care Pathway programwhich exposed students to the realities and employment opportunities available in the rapidly growing medical profession. On top of all this, Taiba managed to complete high school while working.
“To be an Independent Study student and manage my own schedule allows me to explore my opportunities and interests deeper, and I can make important decisions,” says Taiba.
Forging Ahead
Taiba recently graduated earlyas part of the Class of 2022! After graduation, she plans on attending a community college for two years before transferring to a university of her choice. She looks back on her time with Visions fondly and found that the flexibility and opportunity she received were beneficial in the long run to her academic success.
“As a student at Visions I believe it is an awesome opportunity,” says Taiba. “I have attended all four years of high school at Visions and have not felt as if I ‘missed’ out on school as some may think.”
Black History Month Staff Spotlight: Special Education Teacher Ken M.
To recognize Black History Month we are sharing voices from the Visions community. In this Staff Spotlight we interviewed Special Education teacher Ken Mewborn.
Hello, my name is Ken Mewborn, I am a Special Education teacher at Visions In Education supporting students and families with their educational needs.
How did your upbringing play a role in your career path/education?
I had teachers and coaches that encouraged me to go to college on an athletic scholarship. College and the education it gave me opened my eyes to endless possibilities.
What is your favorite mantra?
“You will know what you want to do, once you start doing something.”
What motivates you to come to work each day?
Knowing that I am contributing to students and families in a positive and encouraging way.
What does Black History Month mean to you?
It means awareness and recognition for the positive accomplishments of African Americans everywhere, past and present.
Tell us about a moment in Black History that influenced or shaped your career/life.
I can’t remember the name of the individual, but when I was a member of the Black Student Union in high school, a man held six different careers in order to prove that a Black man could do different professions. I have also been successful in various professions including factory work, the Air Force, law enforcement, entrepreneurship (real estate/mortgages), education, and more to come.
How do you plan on observing Black History Month personally and/or with your students/colleagues?
Attend events either in Vallejo or Sacramento. Watch National events on television.
Any book or documentary recommendations for educating ourselves on Black History?
Watch movies like Hidden Figures, Selma, Just Mercy, and 42 (the Jackie Robinson movie). These are movies based on real people and real life events, and they are entertaining.
Who is an inspirational Black historical figure who inspires you and why?
Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr.
Malcolm X, because he changed his life twice for the better. Once in jail from a criminal to a follower of Islam. Then later from a racist person to one who accepted everyone, no matter what their skin color.
Martin Luther King Jr. gave his life for the cause of freedom and equality. This means we can all do a lot more.
What’s a fun fact about you?
My last name had to be corrected on my birth certificate from “Newborn” to “Mewborn”. This mistake still happens today.
Anything else you would like to share?
We all need to continually grow in our knowledge and understanding of other people.
Click here for Black History Month learning resources.
Each February, we honor the contributions of African Americans who have helped shape our nation. Black History Month recognizes the heritage and important role these leaders play in the story of our country.
Black History Month Staff Spotlights
Meet some of our very own Black leaders!
Introducing Home School Vice Principal Beyonka Marshall! She supports our Bay Area homeschoolers and lives by the saying “Black History 365”. Read her spotlight here to learn how her heritage helped her become a successful educator.
Introducing Special Education Teacher Ken Mewborn! His favorite mantra is, “You will know what you want to do, once you start doing something.” Read his spotlight here to learn more about his background and what inspires him.
Always Be Learning
It is important to always be learning and understanding how this culture has impacted our history. Below is a library of resources to support your ongoing education not just this month but throughout the year.
February 22 at 3:45 p.m. – watch Paola Velez create a Dominican recipe that reflects and embodies her identity as an Afro-Latina chef. Register here (registration required).
February 23 at 2 p.m. – join this webinar to learn how President Abraham Lincoln welcomed African Americans to the White House during America’s most divided era. Register here.
Black History Month Staff Spotlight: Vice Principal Beyonka
To recognize Black History Month we are sharing voices from the Visions community. In this Staff Spotlight we interviewed Home School Vice Principal Beyonka Marshall. Read her spotlight below to learn how her heritage helped her become a successful educator.
Hey, hey! My name is Beyonka Marshall and I am the Vice Principal for the Bay Area Region Home School Academy!
How did your heritage and upbringing play a role in your career path/education?
I grew up in a household where education was super important. My grandmother taught me how to read at a very young age and instilled in me that education was the way to open up new doors and opportunities for me. My grandmother made me super “Black Conscious” at a young age and my grandmother’s home was full of books with stories about those who came before us.
My family is super family oriented. Being together and making contact with each other is so important to us. We have a family reunion that is held the first weekend of August every year and it’s a weekend full of love and fun. This past August was our 80th Annual Family reunion which we held in New Orleans!!
What is your favorite quote?
My favorite African Proverb is “It takes a village to raise a child”. And it’s so true! It takes a multitude of people to raise a child up into who they are going to be in life. That village can consist of parents, grandparents, family friends, teachers, school staff, etc. As an educator I have been honored to be a part of so many students’ villages. It is such a great honor to be such a great influence.
What motivates you to come to work each day?
The students, families, and my staff motivate me. I am such a people person and relationship person. I enjoy having the opportunity to interact with families and my staff when I can.
What does Black History Month mean to you?
Black History Month is so important to me. Though I live by the saying “Black History 365”, Black History Month is a month where Black people and their contributions are put on the forefront of peoples’ minds. For example, I drive everyday and never think twice about traffic signals but for some reason during Black History Month I am reminded that the traffic signal was invented by a Black Man [Garrett Morgan]! It really serves as a month of reflection and appreciation for me.
Tell us about a moment in Black History that influenced or shaped your career/life.
When I was 8 my grandmother introduced me to Mary Mcleod Bethune who was an educator and civil rights activist. I was so intrigued by her passion for education! Her charge was the right to education for African Americans and she also opened up a school for girls.
How do you plan on observing Black History Month?
Personally, I love attending the Black Joy Parade that is held in Oakland. It’s such an awesome gathering of Black folks and it’s a joyous event. I also have discussions with my kids at home. I have a 10 year old daughter and a 7 year old son and they love learning about historical figures in Black History.
Last year for Black History Month, my Principal Edwina Cirelli and I organized different virtual events for the students in our region. It included read alouds of books about historical Black figures and movie discussions. We had a great turn out!
I also love graphic tees and so during the month I try to wear a different graphic tee with a historical Black figure, musician, or statements that show my love for Blackness every day!
Any book or documentary recommendations for educating ourselves on Black History?
One book recommendation would be a book called “Dirty Little Secrets About Black History: Its Heroes and other Troublemakers” by Claud Anderson. It’s a book that is really enlightening.
There are so many documentaries on Netflix right now so it’s hard for me to narrow it down to a few. My current favorite documentary is called “High on the Hog: How African American Cuisine Transformed America”. It’s a must watch!!
Who is an inspirational Black historical figure who inspires you and why?
I would say one who definitely inspires me is John Lewis. He is so inspirational and really pushes the message that not all trouble is bad. In certain environments and situations I used to be afraid to speak up for fear that I would get in “trouble”. But John Lewis’ life has inspired me to engage in what he calls “good trouble or necessary trouble” especially if my intention is to achieve change.
What’s a fun fact about you?
I am a foodie! I love trying food from different cultures! My most favorite type of food is Caribbean food.
Anything else you would like to share?
Ethnically I have Nigerian and Cameroonian roots. I was always aware of my Nigerian roots because of my paternal grandfather but recently I did an African ancestry test for my maternal side and discovered that my ancestors were the Bamileke people from Cameroon. So now I am diving deeper into learning about the culture.
Click here for Black History Month learning resources.
Student Spotlight: Published Author Starts A New Chapter
Since she was seven years old, Alivia has loved telling stories. Starting off with short pieces of fiction, she eventually began taking on more lengthy projects that explored her personal struggles and became an author.
“I love being able to escape into a world that I can control,” says Alivia. “It just makes me so happy to write!”
Her Story
Unfortunately, due to bullying and her own struggles with mental health, her previous school was no longer a good fit for her. Alivia needed a school with less drama that would support her creative ambitions. In her teacher, Colleen Darling, Alivia found a mentor who supported her unique needs as a student and as a writer.
“I think what I find the coolest about Ms. Darling is that she’s so compassionate for her students,” says Alivia. “She really cares for them, no matter the circumstance.”
In our Independent Study program, Alivia created a personalized learning plan that allows her to finish school while pursuing her writing and other interests. With her teacher’s support (and editing skills!), Alivia published her second novel, Waves (2021). A story of a teenage girl who copes with the death of her older brother. Her schedule also allows her time to take community college courses, volunteer at a local cat shelter, and participate in Visions’ Find Your Voice writing class.
Turning the Page
Alivia is on track to graduate in Fall 2022, after which she plans on attending a four year university to study animal care, another great passion of hers. Her goal is to become a veterinarian that helps exotic small animals or cats. Does this mean she’s done writing after school?
“No, of course not!” Alivia says. “When I have time to write I will write, and when I’m working as a veterinarian I will still be brainstorming ideas all day long!”
Alivia thanks her teacher for her continual support and has a message for those who also struggle with depression:
“For anyone who is struggling with depression know that you are not alone. Know that you are loved. Know that depression does not define or control you. You just have to believe in yourself; that’s the first step.”
January 23 to 29 is National School Choice Week! A time to recognize schools, students and families that choose personalized learning. Visions In Education is proud to be a public charter school that offers school choice and flexibility in our Independent Study, University Prep, and Home School academies.
“It’s difficult to underestimate the varied learning needs of students in our nation’s most populous state,” said Andrew Campanella, president of National School Choice Week. “It’s vital that every type of California school is celebrated and explored by parents this week, so every student can access an education that prepares them for a successful, happy future.”
Hear From Students and Parents Why School Choice Matters
“My grandson would not have graduated but for the attention he received from his teacher. She saw what he could not and helped him in more ways than I could list. He received more than a quality education. Their programs give students opportunities they cannot get in traditional school.”
Rafaela Visions Grandparent
Yahari Visions Graduate
“Being an independent study student taught me to be more responsible and helped me become more independent not only school-wise but also in my life. It taught me to trust myself.” Read her Student Spotlight here.
Faten Visions Graduate
“Independent Study is really nice because you can do everything on your own and you can choose some of your classes which makes it more personalized.” Read her Student Spotlight here.
Isabella Visions Student
Get Involved
Social Media – Show your support for school choice by posting one of these badges on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter with the hashtags #SchoolChoiceWeek and #VisionsProud.
Help Grow Our Community – Share your experience at Visions with friends and family members that may be looking for a school choice option for their student.
Looking To Switch Schools?
If a charter school seems like a good fit for you or your student, fill out the “Get Started” form on this page to receive more information about Visions! Fall 2021 enrollment will begin in February. Program options include:
Independent Study (grades 9-12): receive a FREE Chromebook to complete classes online, 1:1 teacher and counselor support, flexibility to work part-time and learn.
University Prep (grades 9-12): receive a FREE Chromebook to complete college prep classes online, 1:1 teacher and counselor support, community college opportunities.
Home School: parent is the primary educator, provided a budget to purchase supplies and curriculum (currently have a waitlist).
