June 2012
Capitol Update 6/28/12
Included in the Capitol Update this week:
* 2012-13 State Budget Approved
* Charter Schools Win at State Allocation Board
* New CalSTRS Regulations Effective July 1
See what you missed from CCSA's Renewal Webinars
Is your renewal coming up? Check out the presentations from our recent webinars.
Important Update on Transitional Kindergarten for LA Charter Schools
Los Angeles charter schools recently received a letter from the LAUSD Charter Schools Division regarding Transitional Kindergarten. This informative is intended to help you respond to the letter and to understand the California Charter Schools Association’s reading of SB 1381.
A Year in Review
As we wind down our school years and head out for a well earned summer break, hopefully everyone gets at least a little bit of time off, it is good to look back over the year and see what we have accomplished locally.
Visiting Schools is Worth the Time Investment
The school year is now over but when the time comes to start thinking about the next year, I’d recommend creating a plan to visit other charter schools.
Charter Leader Speaks out on Huffington Post
When we heard about a major cut to charter schools in the latest budget proposal, members from across the state responded in force. Judy Burton, leader of Alliance College Ready Public Schools, spoke out publicly in the media in a great piece on Huffington Post.
Renewal: Summer is a Great Time to get Ready for September Charter Submission
Last week I co-presented a webinar on garnering support for charter renewal with my colleague from San Jose, Alicia Gallegos. It was the third is a series of webinars designed to support schools that are up for renewal in the 2013 school year.
New Training Resource: Get Your Voice Heard Online
Families That Can has a new resource page for parents on ways they can harness social media, blogging and online tools to support their school online.
CCSA Answers: How to Get "Highly Qualified" Under NCLB
Question: I have four experienced teachers with multiple subject teaching credentials teaching single-subject courses at the middle school level. How can I get them “highly qualified” under the No Child Left Behind (NCLB)?
"Why are my teachers leaving?"
This week, Teach Plus released a new report featuring recommendations from charter teachers on how to increase teacher retention at charter schools. A must-read!
Capitol Update 6/21/12 and Action Alert
Included in the Capitol Update this week:
* Did you know the Legislature voted to cut charter school funding by $50 million?
* Senate Education Committee Votes on Charter School Bills
* Several Charter Schools Receive Charter School Facilities Incentive Grants
* The November Ballot Gets Longer
Stepping Up when the Legislature lets us Down
Thank you to all of you that called your legislators and the Governor’s Office last week. Your phone calls made a big difference!
Test it Out: STAR Computer-Based Testing
Here is your opportunity to preview what the future of STAR computer-based testing (CBT) in California schools might look like… but without scores being used for accountability purposes.
Featured Grant: Summer Jobless Grants
Funding available to put young people’s ideas into action or to provide more opportunities for young people to take action and volunteer in the community
An Important Update from Bay Area Regional Director, Elaine Guarnieri-Nunn
It is with mixed emotions that I am letting you know that I will be leaving CCSA to take on a new opportunity beginning June 25.
Now Playing: "Shelby's Story"
“Shelby is 13 and she’s in 6th grade, and up until last year, she was never in any grade,” says her mom. Thanks to Aspire Alexander Twilight College Secondary Academy, that’s no longer the case.
June 26: Ventura/Santa Barbara/ San Luis Obispo Spring Charter Leader Regional Meeting Webinar
Please register today for the Spring Charter Leader Regional Meeting Webinar
Many Thanks for Attending the Los Angeles Spring Regional Meeting!
Presentations given at the meeting are included below.
Big Wins for Westchester and Pasadena!
We are happy to congratulate two schools on their charter approvals!
Featured Grant: Gale and Library Media Connection TEAMS Award
Funding for collaborations between teachers and media specialists that promote learning and increase student achievement
CCSA Answers: Charter Schools and Anti-Bullying Policies
Question: Are charter schools required to adopt anti-bullying policies under AB 9 and AB 1156?
Capitol Update 6/15/12
Included in the Capitol Update this week:
* Legislature Passes (portions of) the State Budget
* AB 1172 Defeated in Committee: Thank You for Your Advocacy!
* Advisory Commission on Charter Schools Recommends SBE Approval of Charter in Livermore
Applied for a Public Charter School Grant Program (PCSGP) Grant?
If your school applied for a PCSGP grant, commonly called the “start-up grant”, CCSA wants to hear from you.
New SDUSD Charter Policy
San Diego Unified School District had its first reading of their new charter policy which has been developed collaboratively over the last year with district staff and members of the charter community.
Educating the Public about School Choice is a Public Service
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been asked by a parent of what charter school options they have in their community…
Featured Grant: Learning Labs in Libraries and Museums
Supports planning and design activities for spaces that foster experimentation and creativity for youth in library- and museum-based, out-of-school-time settings
Capitol Update 6/7/12
Included in the Capitol Update this week:
* It’s Not Too Late: Make Your Voice Heard on AB 1172
* In Other Legislative News…
Ready to Expand Your Program?
Charter schools in SDUSD are finding great success in growing their schools through expansion of their current program by adding grades to their current petition.
Remember to Vote Tomorrow!
Were you planning to get out and vote tomorrow? I certainly hope so! In addition to the primary elections, there is also a very important race for Sacramento County Office of Education board members that you need to care about.
Charter School Facility Funding Programs Direct from the Experts
Identifying and securing adequate facilities for charter students is a challenging task for many of our state’s charter schools. A new video recorded at the 19th Annual California Charter Schools Conference offers an additional resource to schools as they confront this challenge.
Next Week: Chico Regional Charter Leaders Meeting
This spring, we’re meeting after the school year is over for many of you. Join us to reflect on what went well, what you’d like to improve, and how your colleagues and the Association can help!
Dropout Prevention and Recovery Schools are Providing a Valuable Service
We have a couple of excellent local examples. Serving this population is challenging; there is much to be learned from these schools.