June 2013
Capitol Update 6/28/13
Included in the Capitol Update this week:
* Governor Signs State Budget
* Legislative Update
* 50K Students on Waitlists for CA Charter Schools, 973K Nationally
* 2012-13 Second Principal (P-2) Apportionment has been certified
* National Charter Schools Conference
Families That Can Launches Parent Leadership Team in the Northeast Region
Parent leaders from charter schools across northeast California are invited to come to Sacramento on Saturday, July 27 from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. for the kick-off of the Northeast Charter Parent Leadership Team.
CCSA Board Approves Recommendations Regarding Accountability
The CCSA Board of Directors approved all of the recommendations regarding accountability presented by the Member Council.
Opportunity to Acquire QZAB (Qualified Zone Academy Bonds) Funding
Looking for a way to save on interest costs associated with activities such as energy efficiency and renewable energy, renovating and repairing buildings or investing in equipment and up-to-date technology? Apply today!
CCSA Answers: Notification Necessary in the Event of a Charter School Name Change
Question: What materials must be submitted and which California Department of Education (CDE) divisions need to be notified of a change in a charter school name?
Featured Grant: Shell Science Lab Challenge
Science lab makeover packages of prizes for schools that have limited lab facilities and resources.
E4E Teachers Release White Paper on Redesigning Classrooms and Careers
Read the paper and invite E4E to your school for an interactive presentation on this topic. The teachers recently presented their information to LAUSD Superintendent John Deasy.
Webinars for School Developers: How to Start a Charter School (Part 3 of 3)
Learn the 16-point structure of the charter petition, and how to fully-address each element.
June 27: Nonprofit Vote Candidate Engagement Webinar
Learn more about hosting candidate forums, coordinating candidate appearances, sharing research with candidates, and more.
Support Facilities Policy Efforts: Complete the Facilities Survey Today!
We are gathering some critical data from schools to help us with facilities policy work on your behalf.
Register Today for the Final Renewal Webinar: Garnering Political Support for Renewal
Renewal or approval of your charter petition is often dependent upon the relationships you have. This June 25 webinar will provide helpful tips and tools in order to garner support for your school’s renewal or approval.
Capitol Update 6/20/13
Included in the Capitol Update this week:
* State Budget Update: 10 days and counting
* Legislative Update
* What’s Happening with Charter School Employee Pensions?
Member Council Makes Recommendations Regarding Accountability to CCSA Board of Directors
Recommendations included: the use of higher standards; higher levels of support including early warning efforts and supports for schools at risk; a harder push for quality data, and additional uses of the CCSA’s accountability framework in advocacy efforts.
Capitol Update 6/15/13
Included in the Capitol Update this week:
* Legislature Passes State Budget
* Local Control Funding Formula
Sacramento City Charter Leaders Benefit from Collaboration (Video)
Sacramento City Charter Leaders (SCCL) is a leadership group for autonomous charter schools that are authorized by Sacramento City Unified School District.
George Washington Carver School of Arts & Science Celebrated Wins a Statewide Civic Learning Award
This Waldorf inspired charter high school in Sacramento City Unified, is one of only 22 high schools in California to be honored for its civic learning programs.
CCSA Answers: Oath of Allegiance
Question: Are charter school employees subject to the requirement that all public employees in California must sign an Oath of Allegiance?
Featured Grant: Lowe's Toolbox for Education
Funding for basic one-time project needs that have a permanent impact on a school community such as facility enhancement (both indoor and outdoor) as well as landscaping/clean up type projects.
Webinar: Learn About the New State Budget and the Impact on Your School
Learn how your school may be impacted by the State Budget! Register for a free webinar on July 12.
The CDE Needs Input on Postsecondary-Readiness in the API
Now is your chance to tell the CDE what you think. Complete this survey and tell the CDE how you want college and career readiness incorporated into your API.
Update: People v. Selivanov and Berkovich
CCSA has issued an FAQ to provide more details about the convictions of Eugene Selivanov and Tatyana Berkovich. Additionally, Mr. Selivanov and Ms. Berkovich are seeking assistance from the charter community by July 1 with their upcoming sentencing.
Administrative Services Credential Program for Charter Schools
The Administrative Services Credential Program for Charter Schools Sponsored by San Diego County Office of Education and The King Chavez Schools of Excellence is changing dates.
Help Shape Public Policy: Participate in the Facilities Survey!
Our effort to shape a policy environment where every charter school in California has access to an adequate, affordable facility begins with our developing an accurate picture of where our state’s charter schools are today.
A Community Conversation to Fix School Discipline Comes to Sacramento June 26
This year, many school leaders and elected officials have debated use of “willful defiance” as a reason for school suspensions and expulsions. A new play called “Willful” by Julie Marie Myatt is based on real-life stories of “willful defiance” from…
Webinars for School Developers: Legal Requirements for Student Outreach and Building the Team to Fulfill Your Mission (Part 2 of 3)
There are a number of online charter school development information sessions coming up in the next few months on topics ranging from incorporation to designing a realistic school budget.
The 21st Annual California Charter Schools Conference Summer Registration Special is Open!
To help you celebrate the start of summer and to kick-off the first-ever conference hosted by CCSA in the Silicon Valley, we are proud to offer a Flat Rate Registration Special of $325. Register now, save nearly 50% and pay later.
Keeping Your Special Education Options Open- June 30 Deadline
Schools must submit a letter of intent to exit their SELPA by June 30 in order to maintain the option of exploring LEA status for special education or negotiating alternative special education arrangements for the 2014-2015 school year. The letter is non-binding, but must go in a year in advance. Click through for more information and our template letter.
Webinars! June 20: How to Use Achievement Data; RESCHEDULED June 21: Overview of the Renewal Process Webinar
To ensure renewal, it is critical that you use data evidencing your school’s success. During this June 20 webinar, you will receive helpful tips and tools in order to help you use data effectively. Register today.
Don't Miss the First Renewal Webinar this Week!
We are offering a series of FREE webinars with the critical information you need to be successful in your renewal. So register for the first one, “Overview of the Renewal Process” on June 14.
Get Early Analysis of Your CST Results for Free
California charters schools are invited to a use a beta version of Schoolzilla, a spin-off of Aspire Public Schools, which provides a free service that lets you upload up to four years of CST raw results and, in less than 5 minutes, get interactive reports that help you understand performance and growth.
Caps, Gowns and Tassels in the Capitol City
For some students, graduation is a given, but for others, it takes a different type of school environment and dedicated teachers to help a student earn a diploma.
Facilities Initiative Survey is Open!
CCSA is gathering some important facilities data from schools to help us with our policy and legislative advocacy efforts.
This Week! Two Webinars for School Developers
You can still register for “State Budget Update: Current Revisions & School Development” and “How to Start a Charter School (Part 1 of 3)”
Featured Grant: Captain Planet Foundation Grant
Funding to support high-quality educational programs that enable children and youth to understand and appreciate our world through learning experiences that engage them in active, hands-on community service projects to improve the environment in their schools and communities
CCSA Answers: Enrollment by a Family Member other than a Biological Parent
Question: Can a student be enrolled in a charter school by a family member other than a biological parent?
Capitol Update 6/6/13
Included in the Capitol Update this week:
* Budget Conference Committee Acts on Charter School Items
* Legislative Update
* Congress Ramps Up Reauthorization of No Child Left Behind (NCLB)
* Peer Reviewers Needed for Charter School Program Grant Competition