I attended the Diverse Charter Schools Coalition (DCSC) convening earlier this month, and I’ve been reflecting on what stayed with me most.
This year’s theme was “Better Together.” DCSC even commissioned a catchy original song and music video from a music teacher at one of their member schools to bring the theme to life. It was joyful, sincere, and a reminder that while most of us agree collaboration is essential, it doesn’t always come easily. Especially now, there are real forces—some deliberate, some unintentional—that pull us apart and make shared work harder than it should be.
That’s why I appreciate DCSC’s unwavering commitment to the schools and communities they serve. The schools in the coalition are deeply committed to integration and diversity—because the research shows that diverse learning environments benefit all students, and because many families want schools that reflect the world their children are growing up in. That commitment isn’t abstract; it’s lived, practiced, and fiercely protected.
What stood out most to me at the convening was the energy in the room. Participants were locked in. Sessions were full. No one was half-listening while scrolling on their phones. People were engaged, eager to learn from one another, and ready to share what was working—and what wasn’t—in their own communities. It felt like a space where people showed up not just to attend, but to contribute.
On the final day, participants had the option to visit local schools, and I was lucky to spend time at DC’s Social Justice School. In addition to observing several classrooms, including a fantastic music class where students were learning about the difference between anthems and protest songs, we heard directly from four middle school students. Listening to them describe how they felt seen, loved, and like they truly belonged was incredibly moving. Middle schoolers don’t always get that experience, and it was powerful to hear them name it so clearly.
While the convening wasn’t focused on authorizing per se, it was a strong reminder of why authorizing matters so much. Quality authorizing makes quality schools possible. And quality schools—like those represented at the DCSC convening—create environments where students feel challenged, supported, and valued for who they are.
It’s grounding to be reminded that when the ecosystem works better together, students are the ones who benefit most.
