Oral History Interview with Joshua Kern

Joshua Kern, the co-founder of Thurgood Marshall Academy Public Charter High School, talked about the founding of the school and the significance of the school in the Anacostia community. He talked about Senator Landrieu's support for public charter schools and the traditional D.C. public school system in Washington, D.C.; and Mayor Fenty's focus on the school system. Kern explained the differences between the voucher system and charter school system; his support for competition within the public school system, including public charter schools and school choice within the public school system, and his opposition to the voucher system; and the freedoms that Thurgood Marshall Academy has as a charter school. He talked about strategic planning for the school; the many challenges in opening the school; teaching qualifications under No Child Left Behind (NCLB); the progress of students at Thurgood Marshall Academy; and why he is leaving the school after 10 years as well as the leadership transition for the school.

Interview created in conjunction with the Anacostia Community Museum's 40th Anniversary Oral History Project and the exhibition, 'East of the River: Continuity and Change.' Dated 20070504