November 2012
Two More Weeks Left - Don't Miss Your Chance to Participate in the Facilities Survey!
The survey aims to collect data to complete a comprehensive analysis of the issues and challenges facing California’s charter schools and their access to affordable, adequate facilities.
Do You Know a Graduating Senior of a California Charter School Looking for Scholarship Money for College?
Encourage him/her to apply for the Susan Steelman Bragato Scholarship! Applications are due Nov 30th.
Oakland K-12 Next Generation Learning Models Grant Opportunity
The Rogers Family Foundation (RFF) requests the submission of grant applications for whole school next generation learning models at the K-12 level.
Accountability Report Cards Now Available!
Our School Accountability Report Cards is now available on our website, outlining new (2011-12) academic performance results for all public charter schools against CCSA’s academic performance framework.
Don't Forget to Add the Facilities Survey to Your School's Holiday To Do List
Complete the survey today! The participation of charter schools in the survey is vital to its success and to obtain accurate data.
Capitol Update 11/20/12
Included in the Capitol Update this week:
* Budget News
* Have 5 Minutes? Reach Out To Your New Legislators
* Important Information for California Charter Organizations Regarding the 2011-12 Civil Rights Data Collection
* Opportunities to Participate in State Committees
External Opportunity: Online Learning Platform Free for Charter Schools
A FREE, online learning platforms to CA Charter Schools. These include a digital literacy program which covers the topics of cyber bullying, online safety, website credibility, texting and driving, and more.
Prop. 39 Over-Allocation Resolution Amended; Implementation Beginning in 2013-14
The LAUSD resolution that threatened to impose financial penalties on nine schools with Prop 39 facilities that were under-enrolled in 2011-12 was amended and delayed for implementation until the 2013-14 school year.
Dec. 10: LAUSD Charter Schools Open House: Options for Special Education Programs and Services
Effective July 2013, all LAUSD-authorized charter schools will be required to select one of three new special education arrangements.
CCSA Answers: School Site Council Requirement for Charter Schools
Question: Are charter schools that are receiving federal funding required to have School Site Councils or exhibit evidence of parent participation? If yes, what is the authority for this requirement?
Featured Grant: Tobacco-Use Prevention Education (TUPE)
Funding for tobacco-use prevention education projects that implement research-validated prevention programs for the general school population, provide youth development activities for both general and priority populations, and provide intervention and cessation services to students currently using tobacco
It's as easy as 1-2-3! Fill Out the Facilities Survey Online Today
We need your data! CCSA recognizes that facilities are an essential component to the success of a charter school, and the data collected will help us to better advocate for charters to secure and retain long term, high-quality, affordable school space.
Michelle Rhee to Join Geoffrey Canada as Keynote Speakers at the 20th Annual California Charter Schools Conference!
The nationally known student advocate and founder and CEO of StudentsFirst Rhee will be speaking at the 20th Annual California Charter Schools Conference being held March 11-14, 2013 in San Diego, CA.
Dec. 10: LAUSD Charter Schools Open House: Options for Special Education Programs and Services
Effective July 2013, all LAUSD-authorized charter schools will be required to select one of three new special education arrangements. Charter school administrators and staff are invited to attend an Open House to learn more about these options.
SDCOE Digital Content Portal Can Be a Great Resource for Charter Schools
In the Digital Content Portal (DCP) students have access to high interest material and resources, carefully screened by educators to ensure both appropriateness and scholarly relevance so they don’t have to “power down” at school.
Families That Can Welcomes Four New Partner Schools
We are delighted to welcome: Old Town Academy, Harriet Tubman Village Charter, The Classical Academies and Urban Discovery Academy as the newest Families That Can Pledge Schools.
SDUSD SELPA Members and CCSA Advocate for Improved Special Education Arrangements
CCSA worked with a coalition of 11 SDUSD SELPA Charter Schools to meet with SDUSD to address concerns over a recent increase above the initial forecasted special education contribution rate.
Voters Approve $350 Million of Charter Schools Facilities Funding for San Diego Unified
As part of the $2.8 billion school facilities bond for San Diego Unified School District, Proposition Z, the district will be allocating $350 million of funds specifically for charter school facilities projects.
CCSA Congratulates John Lee Evans and Marne Foster on Election to the San Diego Unified School District Board
The California Charter Schools Association congratulates John Lee Evans for his re-election and welcomes Marne Foster to the San Diego Unified School District Board.
Local Election Highlights: Promising New Leaders in Chico, Sacramento, and Placer County
Besides the passage of Proposition 30, the election gave charter schools cause for celebration - new crop of charter-friendly candidates won seats on selected local school boards.
Trustee Opening at Sacramento City Unified - Apply TODAY!
This is a tremendous opportunity for a parent or community leader to serve in this important role.
Lots of Value in School Visits
I have a renewed commitment to visiting schools. I encourage all schools to also make this a priority.
CCSA Answers: Providing Accommodations for a Parent with a Hearing Impairment
Question: We have a parent, who is hard of hearing, attending an upcoming evening tour of our charter school. She is requesting that we provide her with a sign language interpreter. Is this something we are required to do?
Featured Grant: Samsung Superhero Competition
Samsung Superhero Competition: Awards for student projects in which a student portrays his or her favorite historical character on video
Capitol Update 11/8/12
Included in the Capitol Update this week:
* Proposition 30 Passes!
* State Board of Education
* New Facilities Survey is Live: Complete Yours Today to Win Prizes
Low Interest Loans Available for Energy Efficiency
Over $22 million in loan funds are available from the California Energy Commission at an economically low interest rate for energy cost saving projects.
Fill Out the Facilities Survey Today - Last Chance to Win Prizes!
Fourteen winners will selected for either admission to CCSA’s 20th Anniversary conference or gift cards from Office Depot or Starbucks.
Nov. 15: 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.
November Votes Impact Education
The Association has developed multiple resources to engage your schools & parents at various levels and I believe all are complimentary in their efforts.
Butte County Charters Inform Parents About Charter Choices
Sixteen charter schools from around Butte County were represented at the 2-day Chico Children’s Fair at the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds in Chico on October 13 and 14.
CCSA Answers: Parent Conferences
Question: Our charter school is a home study/independent studies school. Our contract states that we will hold “regularly scheduled conferences.” How often are we required to hold conferences? Is there a law that governs this?
Featured Grant: Nestle Very Best in Youth Program
Awards for youth who have made a special contribution to their school, religious organization or community, or who may have taken the lead role in planning and implementing activities to aid individuals or groups
New Facilities Initiative Survey is Live: Complete Yours Today to Win Prizes!
One of the greatest challenges charter schools face is access to adequate facilities. We are gathering some data from schools to help us with this facilities work on your behalf.
Notice: Membership Renewal 2013
School, Support and Vendor members: Renewal notices are in the mail! If you have any questions or need assistance, please do not hesitate to contact CCSA Member Services.
Important Opportunity to Correct Errors in Free & Reduced Price Meal Eligibility
FRPM eligibility data reported in the California Department of Education’s (CDE) CALPADS system impact eligibility for many funding sources, including Title I, Economic Impact Aid, and the SB 740 Charter School Facility Grant Program. Act by November 14 to review and correct data.