October 2013
Conference: Early Bird Registration Special + A Prize to Win + CCSA Host Hotels are Filling Up!
CCSA is proud to offer our Early Bird Conference Registration Special available until December 13, a chance to win dinner on us and discounted room rates at our host hotels.
Last Chance to Sign Up For Free Value-Added Growth Reports for Your School
Your school can receive a free value-added modeling report usually only available to large districts. If you opt in by November 14, you will receive the report by Dec. 2. Sign up today!
Apply for 21st Century afterschool grants by Dec. 12
Youth Policy Institute, a Los Angeles non-profit that currently runs after-school programs at several charters, can work with your school and apply as the lead agency for the grant.
Use of Personal Email Accounts
From CharterSAFE: Have you ever sent a business-related email to another individual using your personal account? How about a work-related attachment? If so, your privacy could be compromised.
Submit Your Prop 39 Facilities Request Now!
Don’t forget to submit your Prop. 39 Facilities request by November 1, 2013.
External Opportunity: FREE Symposium on Common Core Standards and Technology: San Jose & Los Angeles
Join education leaders in either San Jose or Los Angeles for a one-day event focused on effective integration of technology into instruction to support implementation of the Common Core State Standards.
Letter in Support of Superintendent Deasy
We are tracking the news on Dr. Deasy closely. While he has not submitted a letter of resignation, our understanding is that the Board’s closed session discussion on his contract on Tuesday will likely determine whether he is staying at the district beyond February.
Parents Come Learn About Math and the Common Core - November 21
What are the Common Core State Standards in Math? Come learn how parents can support their child’s success in mathematics.
CA Charter Schools Can Receive a Major Discount on MAP Assessments from NWEA - Sign Up Now!
CCSA has partnered with the Northwest Evaluation Association™ (NWEA™) to allow California charter schools to receive a substantial discount on Measures of Academic Progress® (MAP®) assessments in Math, Reading, and Language Arts. Sign up ASAP to take full advantage of this opportunity!
CCSA Answers: Preparing technologically for Common Core
Question: What can our charter school do to prepare technologically for the Common Core?
Featured Grant: Christopher Columbus Awards
Funding for groups of students who can identify a problem in a community and apply the scientific method to create an innovative solution to the problem.
Conference: Drum Roll Please! And the Winner of the Weekend in Palm Springs is...+ Another Chance to Win
CCSA is excited to announce the winner of the 21st Annual California Charter Schools Conference Palm Springs Giveaway. The excitement continues with another chance to win - so register today.
Tips: Submitting Workers Compensation Claims
From CharterSAFE: We receive many questions about workers’ compensation claims. Below are a couple of quick but very important tips about reporting such claims.
Reminder: Deadline is October 28 for FREE Support with Prop. 39 Facilities Application
Pro bono legal assistance is available for CCSA members to help you with requesting and securing facilities under Prop. 39.
SBAC Field Test Required for All Schools - Take the Tech Assessment
The California Department of Education (CDE) has made clear that the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium (SBAC) field test is REQUIRED for all schools, including charters. As the test is computerized, it is important for your school to take a technology readiness assessment. See more details on the required assessment and access the assessment.
Correct your School's FRL Data by Oct. 31!
Several charter schools have found that the California Department of Education (CDE) has their Free and Reduced Price Lunch (FRL) data wrong in CALPADS. This will affect your school’s funding under the new Local Control Funding Formula. Double check and correct your data by Oct. 31!
Capitol Update 10/18/13
Included in the Capitol Update this week:
* Governor’s Actions
* Regional Meetings Concluded This Week
* SB 740 Facility Grant Funds Released
* Nonclassroom-Based Instruction Funding Determination Forms Released
* Prop. 39 (Facilities) Requests Due November 1: Free Legal Assistance Available
* Prop. 39: Energy Efficiency
* State Board of Education Seeking Applicants for Instructional Quality Commission
LAUSD Responds to Charter Concerns on the School Performance Framework (SPF)
Superintendent Deasy and LAUSD responded to the charter community’s concerns regarding the School Performance Framework (SPF) and its application to charter schools. Read their full letter.
CCSA Answers: Keeping an Original Conversion Charter School Site Under Proposition 39
Question: Can a conversion charter keep its original school site under Proposition 39?
School Report Cards Now Available
CCSA’s 2013 Academic Accountability Report Cards are now available, showing new (2012-13) academic performance results for all charter public schools in California within CCSA’s academic accountability performance framework.
San Bernardino Elections Tuesday, November 5
San Bernardino students and families have an opportunity to choose school board members that represent their values and priorities by voting in the upcoming election for three school board seats.
Proposition Z Charter School Facility Committee (CSFC) Update
Read about important updates and deadlines from the Proposition Z Charter School Facility Committee.
Conference: Space is Filling Up, Book Your Room at a CCSA Host Hotel
While attending the 2014 Annual Conference and enjoying all that San Jose has to offer, please support CCSA by selecting one of our host hotels. See the Top 10 reasons why this is a good idea!
Featured Grant: Recreational Reading Mini-Grant
Funding for books for classroom lending libraries (Los Angeles County)
CCSA Files Reply Brief in LAUSD Prop 39 Case at California Supreme Court
On October 10, 2013, CCSA filed its reply brief with the California Supreme Court in its case challenging Los Angeles Unified School District’s implementation of Proposition 39.
Prop. 39 Facilities Application Support Deadline Extended to October 28
Take advantage of pro bono assistance to help you with requesting and securing facilities under Prop. 39 with free legal help for CCSA members.
Registration Open for 2014 Advocacy Day
Join us for Advocacy Day 2014! Registration is now open to attend our annual event in Sacramento and to meet with your legislators, advocate on behalf of your school and the charter school movement and discuss CCSA’s policy agenda.
Human Resources - CharterSAFE Spotlight
From CharterSAFE: Are you giving your employees all of the pamphlets and information you required to provide under the law?
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
Update on the State Assessments for 2013-14
On Oct. 2, the Governor signed Assembly Bill 484 (Bonilla), which establishes the California Measurement of Academic Performance and Progress (CalMAPP) assessment system, which replaces the Standardized Testing and Reporting (STAR) Program. Find out what tests will be given under this system for 2013-14.
Last Week to Attend Fall Regional Meetings - Register Today!
This is the last week! It is your chance to network with other charter leaders, engage with CCSA staff and other special guests, and discuss information relevant to your area.
New Video Featuring School Leaders: California Must Take the Lead on Accountability for Charter Schools
Over the past several years, CCSA has worked hand in hand with our member schools to create an Accountability Framework. Hear directly from school leaders who have been involved in that work about why accountability is a top priority and how California charter schools are taking on this issue.
The National Association of Charter School Authorizers (NACSA) and CCSA Invite You to a Special Town Hall Event
Learn more about the future growth of the charter school movement. Free for the San Diego-area charter school community.
Claims Management Resources
From CharterSAFE: At CharterSAFE we receive many questions about workers’ compensation claims. Read on for couple of quick, but very important tips about reporting such claims.
Education Bills Update: Governor Brown Acts on AB 622
Governor Brown’s has until October 13 to sign or veto bills and currently 121 bills are on his desk awaiting action. The Governor has vetoed the AB 622.
Common Core Resources for Parents
What is Common Core and what does it mean for my child? That’s a common question you might be getting from parents - we’ve rounded up some useful, bilingual, family-friendly resources you can use.
Conference 2014: Last Chance! Register to Win a Trip to Beautiful Palm Springs + Receive Super Early Bird Discount
Register for the 21st Annual Conference any time before October 18 to receive the super early bird discount rate and you will be entered to win a complimentary 2-night stay in a resort suite including breakfast for two at the Renaissance Palm Springs.
Announcing Prop. 39 Facilities Requests Free Legal Help Hours October 15 - 17
To assist member schools with requesting and securing facilities under Prop. 39, CCSA has partnered with experienced law firms to provide free legal help to CCSA members. Submit your draft Prop. 39 facilities by October 18.
Capitol Update 10/10/13
Included in the Capitol Update this week:
* Governor’s Actions
* Registration Open for 2014 Advocacy Day
* Advisory Commission on Charter Schools Meets
* California School Finance Authority Takes Action on Several Items
* Charter School Facility Grant Funds Available To New Charter Schools: Apply By October 15
* Happenings: Updates and Deadlines
Conference Call For Proposals Due Oct. 11 & Register to Win a Trip to Palm Springs!
Register for the 2014 CCSA Conference on or before October 18 for a chance to win a complimentary 2-night stay in a resort suite including breakfast for two at the Renaissance Palm Springs!
Register Today for Your Event Kit for 2014 National School Choice Week
These materials are available while supplies last so register for your kit today.
Sign up by Oct. 21 to participate in CCSA's Self Assessment Portal
CCSA is launching a valuable, free tool to help schools self-assess strengths and weaknesses and connect with targeted resources in areas of need. The assessment takes just about an hour - sign up today!
Up for Renewal? Sign Up to Receive Free Value-Added Growth Reports for Your School
Your school can receive a free value-added modeling report usually only available to large districts. If you opt in by November 11, you will receive the report by Dec. 2. Sign up today!
Verdict Update: People v. Selivanov and Berkovich
In April 2013, a Los Angeles County jury rendered verdicts of guilt on a variety of misuse of public funds, embezzlement and tax counts against two former Ivy Academia charter school founders, Eugene Selivanov and Tatyana Berkovich. On October 4, the Los Angeles Superior Court rendered sentences for both Mr. Selivanov and Ms. Berkovich.
External Opportunity: Celebrate First-ever LA Walk to School Day on Oct. 9
National Walk to School Day is October 9 and the Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT) has partnered with local public schools to promote the first ever citywide Walk to School Day events.
Don't Miss CCSA's FREE Common Core Institute!
Still have questions about Common Core? This in-person workshop is presented by The Center for College and Career Readiness, in partnership CCSA.
External Opportunity: Enter Your School in the Great American School Spectacular Giveaway
Sponsored by the Great American Insurance Group, teachers can enter and win up to $10,000 for their classroom and school.
Requesting Prop. 39 Facilities? Take Advantage of CCSA Resources and Free Legal Help
The Prop. 39 application cycle is underway and CCSA has new and updated resources, including free legal help, available for member schools.
Calling All Teachers! Education Career Development Fair: October 12
Participate in career development workshops, learn about 13 San Jose charter organizations, and hear a keynote address from Alicia Herald, founder of MyEd Match.
All Applications for the Susan Steelman Bragato Scholarship are Due this Friday, October 11!
The 2014 Susan Steelman Bragato Scholarship awards a graduating senior from your school $2,000 to help pay for his/her first year of college.
Final Week! All Nominations for the Hart Vision Awards are Due this Friday, October 11!
Do you know a teacher or volunteer who does outstanding work for your school? Nominate him/her for the Hart Vision Awards!
External Opportunity: What Is Smarter Balanced? What Will Assessment Look Like? Free Webinar October 10
WestEd is hosting a free webinar on assessment and literacy at the secondary school level, with an emphasis on the Common Core State Standards (CCSS).
CCSA Answers: The Difference Between a "Special" Board Meeting and an "Emergency" Meeting"
Question: What is the difference between a “special” board meeting and an “emergency” meeting, and when is each used?
Education Bills Update: Governor Brown Acts on AB 308, AB 484 and AB 588
Governor Brown has acted on three bills that CCSA is tracking. Any bills that made it through the end of session are currently marked as enrolled and are awaiting signature on Governor Brown’s desk. The Governor has until October 13 to sign or veto bills.
Capitol Update 10/03/13
Included in the Capitol Update this week:
* Governor’s Actions
* State Bond Program Review
* Title 1 Funding
* Federal Government Shutdown
* Happenings: Updates and Deadlines
LA Parents Call in to Radio Show with Diane Ravitch to Bust Charter Myths
Diane Ravitch recently came to LA to promote her new book which has lots of negative misinformation about charter schools. The charter school community rallied quickly to respond on the radio!
AB 484: Guidance for Schools
On October 2, 2013, the Governor signed AB 484, which temporarily suspends most standardized testing. Find out what this means for your school and see CCSA’s recommendations on assessments.
Cloud Data Software Agreements Pose a Breach of Privacy Risk to Schools
From CharterSAFE: A recent article in Business Insurance magazine highlights a problem that is relevant to member schools. Many schools are now utilizing cloud-based software services for data storage, including student grades and personnel information.
How does CCSA's Accountability Framework Affect School Replications?
As part of our ongoing work to ensure transparency in accountability, CCSA established our Minimum Criteria for Renewal in 2011, which informs whether we will support a school’s renewal. But what about replications? Read how the updates adopted in June 2013 will affect how CCSA supports schools that are replicating.
Fall Regional Meetings Continue until October 17 - Register for Yours Today!
Don’t miss your chance to network with other charter leaders, engage with CCSA staff and other special guests, and discuss information relevant to your area during the Fall Regional Meetings.