"We don't need an AIMS test to see that a kid is falling off the edge of the world,"

An important component of ensuring a long-term end to chronic homelessness is providing a decent education for the children of homeless parents. Without adequate education, it is almost impossible to compete effectively in today's often sophisticated job market. Poor schooling, coupled with the disadvantages already facing children who are homeless, offers little hope that they will be able to advance enough financially to leave the street for any length of time.... Embattled School for the Homeless to Reopen as Charter

June 24, 2008

PHOENIX (Map, News) - A school for homeless students that was ordered to shut down last year following legal battles and controversy over financial woes has been granted a second life, officials said.

The Thomas J. Pappas schools in Phoenix and Tempe, which are set to close June 30, will reopen Aug. 11 as Children First Academy charter schools. The school's staff will remain intact and employed at the same location when Children First Academy opens.

Children First will be run by Sequoia Charter Schools, which manages 11 charters in Arizona.

Sequoia Charter School assistant superintendent Jerry Lewis said the school's name change will accompany a new strategy for aiding the school's ailing academics.

"We feel that we can bring to the academics of these schools a much-needed shot in the arm," he said.

Sequoia Charter Schools plans to boost academic performance at Children First Acadamy by catering to each student individually, Lewis said.

"The key is holding teachers accountable for a student's progression, measuring progress frequently and focusing on those assessments throughout the school year," Lewis said.

"We don't need an AIMS test to see that a kid is falling off the edge of the world," he said. "If we have to wait for that, we're in a world of hurt."

Special-education teacher Lori Vandewalla said the Pappas staff is ready to move forward. Vandewalla said the school has become a political football that's been stressful for the staff.

The future of the Pappas schools came into question as their founder, Maricopa County Superintendent of Schools Sandra Dowling, was indicted on numerous criminal charges.

A judge has since dismissed 10 of the most serious criminal counts against her, but Dowling still faces numerous charges stemming from her management of the schools.