October 2012
Sign Up Today! National School Choice Week Kicks off January 25, 2013
Every January, National School Choice Week provides an unprecedented opportunity to shine a spotlight on the need for effective education options for all children.
SDUSD Board Of Education Voter Guide for District E
District E in San Diego Unified School District is one of two seats with contested elections this November. Find out where candidates stand on education so that you can make informed decisions when you cast your ballot.
Nov. 1: C.A.S.H and CCSA Collaborate for Facilities Workshop
The focus will be on building successful relationships between charter schools and school districts, as well as with developers and maneuvering local governmental permitting agencies.
Charter School Facilities Are a Political Issue
With the deadline for the Proposition 39 facilities application happening this week, I believe it’s worthwhile to talk about why facilities are such an important issue to the charter school movement.
Free Registration for Common Core Institutes Courtesy of the Center for College & Career Readiness
Thanks to the Center, grant-funded registration is being made available for all CCSA members’ instruction & teacher-leader teams to the upcoming California Institutes hosted by The Common Core Institute (up to three registrations per school).
California Charter Schools Grow to Over 1,000 on 20th Anniversary of Movement; Enrollment Surges by 70,000 Students
This year, 109 charter schools opened across California, bringing the total to over 1,000, while enrollment grew by an unprecedented 17%. Statewide poll results also show growth in awareness and support of state’s charters.
Update in CCSA v. LAUSD Prop 39 Facilities Equity Case
CCSA filed a motion in its ongoing case against Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) that challenged LAUSD’s compliance with Prop. 39, the state law that requires school districts to share facilities with charter schools. The briefing in the case is complete and the Court of Appeal has scheduled argument in the matter on November 28, 2012.
Capitol Update 10/25/12
Included in the Capitol Update this week:
* New Charter School Growth
* Proposition 30 Information for CCSA Members
* SB 1290 Establishes New Renewal Standard for Charter Schools
* SB 740 Facility Grant Funds Released, But Data Issues Still Remain
SB 1290 Establishes New Renewal Standard for Charter Schools
Get the details on SB 1290, just signed by Governor Brown. It amends laws related to measurable pupil outcomes in a school’s charter and academic criteria for charter school renewal.
Nov. 8: Free Event - "How Can LA Charter Schools Keep Their Best Teachers?"
LA charter leaders and teachers are invited to a Teach Plus event focusing on teacher retention. This is a unique opportunity to connect with other charter schools to discuss their concerns and best practices regarding teacher retention at your school sites. Teach Plus recently released a white paper on how charter schools can improve teacher retention.
Become CIVICS Minded: Nonpartisan Electoral Action
Our democracy is only as strong as the citizens that participate in it. Voting is the foundation of democracy and the sign of a strong community. It takes an active engaged public to ensure broad representation and that public officials are responsive to community concerns so learn how to become CIVICS minded!
Featured Grant: Shell Science Lab Challenge
Science lab makeover of prizes for schools that have limited lab facilities and resources
Oct. 26: You're invited to special City Council ceremony honoring charter schools
On Friday, Oct. 26, LA Councilwoman Jan Perry will be issuing a proclamation honoring the 20th Anniversary of the Charter School Movement.
Zimmer Update - Call this Tuesday Oct. 23
LAUSD Board Member Steve Zimmer’s resolution is up for vote on Tuesday, Nov. 13 (right after Veteran’s Day) and we are coordinating a major parent rally in opposition in front of LAUSD. Save the date!
External Opportunity: Ashford University Book Club presented by KyXy (96.5)
Throughout the entire school year, KyXy (96.5) and Ashford University will highlight a new, age-appropriate book each month for students in grades K-5 to read.
Free and Reduced Price Lunch Data
For SDUSD authorized charters that are having data issues with Free and Reduced Price Lunch figures reported to CDE, the district will be holding a meeting at O’Farrell Community School on November 2, 2012 from 11:00 a.m. - Noon.
San Diego State University K-12 Partnership Community Forums
Under the leadership of President Elliot Hirshman, San Diego State University has begun a strategic planning process to look closely at the university’s current work and propose recommendations for future initiatives.
CCSA Launches Start-Up Circle
CCSA is launching a Start-Up Circle in the Bay Area! You are invited to join other educators, parents, and community leaders to learn more about the process of starting a charter school and to discuss the landscape throughout the Bay…
Who Do These Videos Remind You Of?
Nominate your outstanding teacher or volunteer now to receive a 2013 Hart Vision Award by Friday, October 26!
Facilities Bond Measure for Sacramento City Unified School District
Measures Q and R will provided extensive rehabilitation of district facilities, including charter schools.
Last-Minute Voter Mobilization
Read on for voter registration deadlines and other important election information.
Deadline for Pro Bono Review of your Prop. 39 Request Has Been Extended!
We are pleased to announce that we have extended our deadline for participation in CCSA’s Pro Bono Review Program.
Reading Comprehension Series for Middle and High School Teachers
Interested in resources for boosting students’ reading comprehension? Too busy to attend face-to-face professional development? Take this free online course for charter school teachers!
CBEDS Consultations October 24, 26
Have questions about how to the complete the forms? Here’s your opportunity to get help!
CCSA Answers: Alternate Form for Reporting Financial Data
Question: What is the Charter School Unaudited Actuals Financial Report Alternate Form for reporting financial data and where can it be found?
Featured Grant: Vernier/NSTA Technology Awards
Awards for the innovative use of data-collection technology using a computer, graphing calculator, or other handheld in the science classroom
Attend the Annual Conference to Experience Our Most Popular Sessions!
With seven programming strands and over 150 breakouts the conference is one stop shopping for all of your charter school needs!
External Opportunity: Oct. 29: "Do Unions Drive or Restrain Student Success?" with UTLA's Warren Fletcher
Warren Fletcher, President of UTLA, will join a free Education Salon put on by the Los Angeles Education Partnership (LAEP) to discuss this complex question with several other panelists.
Capitol Update 10/16/12
Included in the Capitol Update this week:
* We Need You! Request for Peer Reviewers for the Start-Up Grant
* Green Ribbon Schools Award Program NOW Accepting Applications
* CCSA Continues to Support Weighted Student Formula
External Opportunity: Oct. 25: Free Webinar on Online Speech-language Therapy
Presence Learning is offering a free webinar for charter schools later this month - register today to secure a spot!
CCSA Celebrates 20th Anniversary of California Charter Schools Across the State
Chico, Fresno, Oakland, San Jose and San Diego hosted more than 1,000 students, parents, charter leaders, elected officials and community supporters during several exciting celebrations.
Oct. 18: Are You Ready for the "Great California ShakeOut?"
Make sure that your school community is prepared for emergencies and plan out your participation for this important event next week.
Fresno Big Picture Middle & High School Sponsors a Community Grand Opening Event
Community dignitaries, in-kind supporters, friends and school family members will be treated to a very special evening for this event.
Butte County Sup, Assemblymember Logue Fete 20th Anniversary of Charters
The crowd overflowed to a beautiful outdoor patio in Chico during the Butte County Charter Leaders 20th Anniversary Reception last week.
Application for Appointments to Serve on the Advisory Commission on Charter Schools
The SBE is currently seeking applications for two appointments to serve on the Advisory Commission on Charter Schools (ACCS). The deadline is Monday, October 22, 2012 at 5:00 p.m.
Nominate Your Outstanding Teacher or Volunteer to Receive a Hart Vision Award!
The 2013 Hart Vision Awards will recognize individuals that have made significant contributions to CCSA’s mission to increase student achievement by supporting and expanding California’s quality charter public school movement.
Don't Miss the Opportunity to Bring Your Staff to CCSA's Annual Conference
“I bring my staff to the event because it offers connections, content, and training that align to successfully prepare us for growth and opportunities throughout the school year! We never miss it!” - Cameron Curry, executive director, The Classical Academies
Members: Access Prop. 30 Information and Resources
Have questions or concerns about appropriate activities related to Proposition 30? Learn what you can do, and find resources to help you advocate with your community.
Penny Schwinn, Founder of Capitol Collegiate, and Trustee, Sac County Board of Education to Speak
You are invited to join other educators, parents, and community leaders to discuss the process of starting a charter school and the landscape throughout Sacramento County - existing schools, demand for new schools, and more.
Featured Grant: 21st Century Community Learning Centers Program
Funding to establish or expand before and after-school programs providing disadvantaged K-8 grade students with academic enrichment opportunities and support services to meet state and local standards in core content areas
Capitol Update 10/10/12
Special Urgent Notice: PCSGP Application Revised - Application Deadline is this Friday, October 12
Who is my LAUSD board member?
Not sure which LAUSD board member represents your school? Find out here!
Start Planning Special Education for 2013-14 Now!
If your school is dissatisfied with your current special education funding or service delivery arrangements, now is the time to begin planning alternative arrangements for next year.
Families That Can Releases Non-Partisan Voter Guides
It can be hard to find good information about local school board candidates. That’s why Families That Can has created new simple, nonpartisan voter guides that you can share with your families!
Quality Training of School Leaders for Charters is Essential
I appreciate so much when a school leader brings a staff member with them to one of our regional meetings or a board member sits in these meetings because it adds a different perspective to the conversations that happen at the meeting.
Governance Training: Break in New Board Members, Refresh Seasoned Ones
Stop bad habits and create positive norms for your charter school governance and operations.
Know Someone Dreaming of Starting a Charter School?
CCSA is launching a Start-Up Circle in Sacramento! Educators, parents, and community leaders who want to learn more about the process of starting a charter school are encourage to meet up….
Don't Miss the School Celebration in San Diego
The San Diego charter school community celebrates the 20th Anniversary of California’s Charter Schools Movement with a family event this Saturday, October 13, from 9:30 a.m. - noon, at Balboa Park. The celebration is aimed at raising awareness about charter…
Have a Prop. 39 Question? Ask Our CCSA Legal Experts!
As we continue the Prop. 39 application process, CCSA is offering “Office Hours” with our legal experts to answer questions from our applying members.
CCSA Announces Our Key Achievements of 2011-12!
CCSA has actively advocated in collaboration with our members for the success of charter public schools on multiple fronts, including strengthening the rights of charter schools under Prop. 39, securing new facility options and defeating legislation that would hamper the growth of charter schools.
Lengthy Ballots for Sacramento Region Elections
Voters have a lot to consider with a Presidential race, local elections, eleven state propositions, local school bond measures and local measures on the ballot in November.
Featured Grant: Donald Samull Classroom Herb Garden Grant
Funding available to establish a classroom outdoor herb garden
CCSA Answers: Eligibility for SB 740 Funding
Question: Are charter schools, leasing a district facility at market rate, eligible for SB 740 funding? Specifically, are charter schools leasing from an “unlike” district (i.e. a charter high school leasing district facilities from an elementary school district), eligible?
Why Developers & New Schools Should Register NOW for the 20th Annual California Charter Schools Conference
Welcome to the charter schools movement! Now get ready to attend the premiere statewide networking and professional development event for education reform professionals in the country.
Presentations from LA Regional Meeting on Oct. 2
Download the full presentation from the LA Regional meeting, including the presentation on your Prop. 39 options!
Welcome to Roy Cervantes!
Roy has taken on the role of Los Angeles Regional Director and will work very closely with all charter schools authorized by LAUSD.
Don't Miss CCSA in Sunny San Diego March 11-14, 2013!
With spectacular year-round weather, easy accessibility to beaches and a dynamic downtown, San Diego is an amazing place to attend the 20th Annual California Charter Schools Conference & Anniversary Celebration!
Capitol Update 10/1/12
Included in the Capitol Update this week:
* Legislative Update
* Applying for a Start-Up Grant?
* Encouraging Charter School Replication