The NY Times takes a look at San Francisco-based New Schools Venture Fund, which invests philanthropic cash in education entrepreneurs with an eye toward results. Some interesting stuff about some of the projects they are funding, a lot of which are in California.

Recipients of the fund's investments are not whiz kids eager to become the
next Bill Gates. Mainly, they are public school teachers with a passion to improve the ways poor children are taught. The companies they form are nonprofit charter
school management organizations, capable of running publicly financed elementary
and secondary schools that are freed from some rules and regulations in exchange
for producing educational results better than those of the large urban school
district. Almost all their students are eligible for free or reduced-price
breakfasts and lunches.

Read the full story here.

UPDATE: Eduwonk's mysterious guest-blogger "Alice in Eduland" posts here about the Times story, describing why - despite being tempted - she has specifically opted to shun charter schools and stay put in her district school. The Chalkboard appreciates her passion and notes that in order for public schools to compete in the new era of choice, they will need just as many committed professionals like Alice as public charter schools. Which is obviously why programs to prepare, attract, and retain quality teachers are so critical for everyone involved in the delivery of education today.

UPDATE II: Over at ThisWeekInEducation, Alexander Russo comments on the "gee whiz" aspect of the Times coverage.

UPDATE III: AFT Michele takes up the "grow your own" talent issue, specifically how urban districts (net importers of teaching jobs) can create more teachers from the neighborhoods they serve.