July 2011
Introducing the CCSA Members Blog!
We know how important timely information is to charter schools, so we’ve created a new blog, just for members. Here are some tips to get you started.
How to: Set Your Default "Region Page"
Save yourself a click! Did you know you it is easy to make a default regional selection on ccsa.org? It’s easy. Here’s how to do it.
Charter School Educators Continue to Earn Financial Rewards through EPIC
In four years, EPIC (Effective Practices Incentive Program) has awarded nearly $7 million to over 1,600 educators in 57 high-gain schools nationwide. Learn how you can apply.
Moving Forward on District-Charter Compacts in Santa Clara County
Parent leaders in San Jose see the importance of cultivating a common vision and are meeting with district board members and charter leaders to advocate for bold and actionable Compacts.
New Startup School Receives COE Bridge Funding
Redwood Prep Charter School in Fortuna will open it’s doors - in part with some help from a bridge loan. Learn how this is relevant to your school too.
Improving Special Education Services through a Bay Area JPA
Charter leaders throughout the Bay Area are exploring how to create a Bay Area Special Education Joint Powers Authority (JPA) to mitigate the challenges that many schools are facing with special education service delivery.
Working Capital Lines of Credit
One of CCSA’s partners in the financial sector, the Nonprofit Finance Fund (NFF), has stepped up to help address the painful state payment delays impacting our members.
Featured Grant: Staples Youth Social Entrepreneur Competition
Award to recognize exceptional young people using innovation and technology to advance social change and improve their community and the world
Take Advantage of our Summer Special on Conference Registration
CCSA is offering a rock bottom flat rate of just $250 for Association members who register for the 19th Annual California Charter Schools Conference by Friday, September 9, 2011. This rate is $125 less than the Super Early Bird Registration Rate, which is normally the best deal you can receive.
2011 Grants Competition for Replication and Expansion
U.S. Department of Education grants encourage the replication and expansion of high-quality charter schools. Applications are due by August 11, 2011
CCSA Answers: License for Operating an After School Program
Question: Are charter schools required to have a license to provide after school care?
New Charter Policy in San Diego Unified School District
A message from Lisa Berlanga about the progress towards a new policy.
DataScanner Update for ZOOM! schools
With the release of DataDirector 4.0, Riverside will provide a new scanning client, DataGrader, as an option for existing customers. Learn what this means for your school, and what your options are.
Aug. 10: DataDirector 4.0 Sneak Preview Round 2
Make sure you are ready when the new DataDirector debuts with this preview of the more streamlined user interface, enhancements, and new features.
Capitol Update 7/23/11
Included in the Capitol Update this week:
* State Budget: Countdown to July 1
* Legislative Update
* ESEA (also known as No Child Left Behind) Reauthorization Moves Forward
* State Allocation Board
Aug. 18: Preparing for the PCSGP - CANCELED
CCSA is hosting a webinar on Aug. 18 to provide developers with a preview of the Public Charter Schools Grant Program (PCSGP) application requirements as well as the areas of overlap between the application and the charter petition. Free to members.
Inland Empire News 7/21/11
Four important items for Inland Empire Charter Schools:
CCSA has released its must up to date budget brief for the 2010-2011 Fiscal Year
Get the latest information on proposed bills AB360, AB440, and SB645
Regulations approved for schools’ ‘Parent Trigger’ law
Now with authority to govern Public Safety Academy, Trustees turn attention to successfully launching the next school year.
CCSA Opposes Resolution That Would Prevent Charters From Applying for New PSC Schools
LAUSD Board Member Steve Zimmer has introduced a resolution, to be voted upon on August 30, that would allow only in-district and pilot school applicants to apply for new schools under the Public School Choice initiative.
Aug. 5-6: Free Special Education Summit
Los Angeles charter school administrators and teachers are invited to attend a free two-day summit on special education. There is no cost for all qualifying LAUSD Charter Schools with $100 stipends available to certified teachers and $75 for paraprofessionals.
2011-12 Core Files Now Available for Upload
ZOOM! Schools, now is the time to ensure your DataDirector is current - and the ZOOM! team can help!
Capitol Update 7/15/11
Included in the Capitol Update this week:
* Build a Relationship with Your Legislator During Summer Recess
* Legislative Update
* State Board of Education
DataDirector 4.0 Release Date Change
ZOOM! schools: get the details on the updated release schedule and “sandbox” environment
ZOOM! Tip of the Month: Preparing for DataDirector 4.0
Step by step tips what guide you through the DataDirector help module.
Inland Empire News 7/7/11
Three important items for Inland Empire Charter Schools:
San Bernardino City Unified Appoints new Charter School Director
St. Anthony’s Catholic School in San Bernardino closes, parents search for alternatives.
San Bernardino Unified School District supports Trustees of Public Safety Academy
Schools Can Modify LAUSD Special Ed Outreach Statement
Did the LAUSD Charter School Division ask you to include a special education notice on all materials? CCSA supports the goal of informing parents, but feel free to modify the recommended wording.
Event Opportunity: Exploring Funding Opportunties
The National Charter School Resource Centeris hosting a webinar July 20 featuring Danny Corwin, CCSA Vice President of Development. The topic is Exploring Funding Opportunities for Charter Schools
Capitol Update 7/7/11
Included in the Capitol Update this week:
* 2011-12 Budget Brief Posted
* Legislative Update
* Pupil Demographic Requirements
* Local Authorizer Input
* New and Expanding Charter Schools Reporting Deadline