Reply #15: This Alinsky-inspired community organization opened charter schools in Chicago.

[Radical Activist]

They mention Alinsky on the front page of their website so I would assume he's mentioned in school at some point. That kind of punches a whole in the rhetoric about Duncan being on a diabolical quest to corporatize all schools and destroy public education.

http://www.uno-online.org/moreinfo.aspx

http://unocharterschools.org/about_ucsn.aspx


With the power and experience to enact widespread change, we opened our first charter school, then located at two sites in Greater Tri-Taylor and Little Village, in 1998.

UNO believed then, as it still does, that the charter school is the “vehicle” within the community that drives dreams of opportunities and success, and makes them come true for the children of local families and generations to come.

Originally managed and operated by the Educational Management Organization (EMO), Advantage Schools, the K-8 school – Octavio Paz Charter School – was failing until UNO assumed full responsibility and took over day-to-day operations in 2000.

By 2003, the school had reversed its decline in test scores and now boasts some of the highest test scores among the city’s charter schools. UNO’s original Chicago charter was renewed through June 30, 2008 by the Chicago Board of Education.