January 2014
Register Now for CCSA's Pre-Conference Public Charter Schools Grant Program Workshop!
The March 3 workshop is chock full of trainings and resources, to help your new school access funds through the Public Charter Schools Grant Program.
Featured Grant: Opal Apple Youth Make a Difference Initiative
Funding to youth-based initiatives serving their communities, where youth take leadership roles in addressing one or more of the issues of food security, nutrition, agriculture, or food politics and education.
CCSA Answers: TB Testing Requirements
Question: What is the requirement for tuberculosis testing in charter schools and how often must these records be updated?
CharterSAFE: February 11 Webinar Recommendation
From CharterSAFE: Empowering Elementary Age Students to Stand Up & Speak Up to Prevent Bullying.
Capitol Update 1/30/14
Included in the Capitol Update this week:
* Charter School Facilities Incentive Grants Program Application Period Now Open
* New Guidance Allows Charter Schools to Preference Educationally Disadvantaged Students in Lotteries
* Happenings: Updates and Deadlines
Only 11 Days Remain for Discounted Conference Registration Rates + Hotel Update
If you haven’t already registered for CCSA’s annual conference held March 3-6, 2014 in San Jose- now’s the time. Register by February 14th to receive a discounted rate—your LAST chance! Already registered but haven’t booked your hotel or travel? Don’t wait. Learn about other affordable San Jose lodging options.
Recent Study Shows "No Empirical Evidence" That Charters Push Out Students
Read the study in Educational Evaluation and Policy Analysis, from September 2013.
Are you ready for Common Core? Don't miss these webinars!
Learn more about NWEA MAP Assessments and how they can help you know if your school and your students are on track. NWEA is hosting several webinars in January and February as well as a coffee talk at CCSA’s Conference.
2014 National School Choice Week Kicks-off
Every January, National School Choice Week provides an unprecedented opportunity to shine a spotlight on the need for effective education options for all children.
Featured Grant: California Career Pathways Trust
Funding for the establishment of kindergarten through grade fourteen Career Pathways Programs.
External Opportunity: Equitable Access to Robust Infrastructure and Content for All
Common Core is coming. Education Trust-West presents a webinar to help you gain insights on how to close the technology divide in your school.
The Importance of Employer Documentation
From CharterSAFE: In a survey by The HR Specialist, they asked readers whether an employee had ever sued them and, if so, what piece of advice would be they give to other HR professionals? The number one suggestion was: “Document! Document! Document!”
Senator Carol Liu Encourages Charter Schools to Participate in Advocacy
Each May, over 100 California charter school leaders, board members and parents join together to celebrate National Charter Schools Week with Advocacy Day hosted by CCSA in Sacramento. Read why Senator Carol Liu is encouraging you to attend.
External Opportunity: Feb. 8: "Opening a New Charter School" Keynote & Panel at LMU
RSVP by Jan. 31 for a special event featuring a panel of experts who will discuss the step-by-step process of opening a charter school.
2014 California Charter School Laws and Regulations: An Annual Compilation of Selected Provisions is Now Online
It contains nearly all the relevant legislative and regulatory changes affecting charter schools today.
Capitol Update 1/23/14
Included in the Capitol Update this week:
* CCSA 2014-15 Governor’s Budget Webinar
* California Career Pathways Trust Grants
* Happenings: Updates and Deadlines
San Jose School Tours, Deep Dive Conference Programming and Pre-Sessions!
CCSA is proud to offer three new conference programming tracks (101, 201 & 301) on Common Core, Leadership and Technology. CCSA is also once again offering the pre-conference workshops, “Public Charter Schools Grant Program” and “Hands-on Tech Plan Writing and E-Rate Planning” and is happy to announce the return of school tours to local San Jose charter schools.
CCSA Offers FREE Budget Brief Webinar - January 29
Read CCSA’s 2014-15 Governor’s Budget Brief and join the government affairs for a in depth and free webinar about the brief on Monday, January 29.
Applications Due Feb. 2 for Teacher Advocacy Fellowship
Have you ever looked at something in California’s education system and thought: Who made this decision? Why does this policy exist? What were they thinking?
CCSA Offers Budget and LCFF Resources
Governor Brown released his Budget Proposal for 2014-15 on January 9. Explore new resources available on the CCSA website.
CharterSAFE: Are You Prepared for an Emergency?
From CharterSAFE: Take the survey to gauge your level of preparedness.
Gold Country Charter Leaders Meeting - This Thursday
Did you know there are 48 charter schools serving students in Nevada, Placer and El Dorado counties? With the growing number of schools, there is a growing opportunity to build a professional network amongst charter school leaders locally.
Now Hiring! Parent Organizer, Northeast and Central Valley
Do you know someone who loves charter schools, and ‘clicks’ with a wide range of people? If so, he or she might be the perfect candidate for this position!
Upcoming Central Valley Charter Events
January and February offer four valuable opportunities for charter leaders in the Central. Get the details!
New Conference Programming + 18 More Days Left for Discounted Registration!
CCSA is proud to offer new, exciting programming opportunities at the 21st Annual California Charter Schools Conference, March 3-6, including our “Deep Dive Programming Tracks” that provide content over three days on Common Core, Leadership and Technology. Plus, still time to register for a discounted rate until February 14.
Don't Miss CCSA's Business Managers Meetings!
Do you have questions about the Governor’s January Budget Proposal and how the state’s financial situation will impact your school? Register today for a session!
CCSA Answers: Ranking for Charter School Facilities Program
Question: If a Charter School Facilities Program (CSFP) filing round is oversubscribed, how are projects ranked?
Featured Grant: Clean Tech Competition
Contest to reward teams of eligible students, supervised by teachers or other adults, who create a competition entry that identifies a real world pollution problem and present a solution using clean technology.
Capitol Update 1/17/14
Included in the Capitol Update this week:
* CCSA Offers Budget and LCFF Resources
* State Board of Education Approves LCFF Regulations and Templates
* CCSA Hosts “Back to Session” Event at the Capitol
* 2014 Omnibus Appropriations Act
* Happenings: Updates and Deadlines
New 2014 Laws Impacting Charter Schools
The start of 2014 brought into effect several new laws that impact how charter schools operate and govern. These laws include AB 2109, SB 751 and AB 1266.
External Opportunity: Prom for Students with Disabilities May 2 in San Diego
Register a student, sign up to volunteer or donate a gently-used formal dress by visiting their website today.
KIPP releases "Teach in San Jose" Video
To create great new schools, you need great teachers. That’s why KIPP and Rocketship have teamed up on a great new video highlighting why it’s great to teach in San Jose.
Jan. 24: LAUSD Special Education Open House
Join CCSA and LAUSD staff for an event with key updates on special education and a chance to learn about resources to help your school.
LAUSD Board Will Appoint Interim Non-voting Caretaker for Board District 1
On January 14, the LAUSD Board of Education voted to appoint an interim, non-voting caretaker to fill the vacancy in Board District 1 created by the passing of former Board member Marguerite LaMotte.
National Charter School Facilities Online Initiative Re-Launched!
California charter schools are excited to be able to participate in the National Charter School Facilities Initiative which researches and quantifies charter school access to adequate educational facilities space and funding. The national survey is now available online for schools to complete.
CCSA Answers: SB 751 Brown Act Update
Question: Can you explain the new Brown Act requirements that go into effect in January 2014?
Featured Grant: Summer Food Service
Funding for meals served to children who are on school vacation in areas where 50 percent of the children qualify for free or reduced-priced school meals.
Feb. 13: LA Communicators Meet-up - Great Ideas for Recruiting Students
Are you responsible for communications for a charter school? Join your local colleagues for an in-person meet-up in Los Angeles!
Capitol Update 1/9/14
Included in the Capitol Update this week:
* State Budget Update: January 9, 2014
* Happenings: Updates and Deadlines
Last Chance! Register to Win a Stay in Sunny Palm Springs + Receive New Year Registration Discount
Register for the 21st Annual Conference any time before January 17 to receive the new year discounted rate and you will be entered to win a complimentary two night stay in a Mediterranean suite including dinner for two at the Palm Springs Riviera Resort & Spa (courtesy of Palm Springs Resort & Spa).
Miss the Recent CDE Common Core Webinar? Watch it Today.
The webinar covers the changes in the assessment and accountability system, AB 484, Smarter Balanced, Common Core, and much more!
Featured Grant: After School Education and Safety Program
Funding to support partnerships between schools and local community resources to provide literacy, academic enrichment and safe, constructive alternatives for students in kindergarten through ninth grade; Designed to: (1) maintain existing before and after school program funding; and (2) provide eligibility to all elementary and middle schools that submit quality applications throughout California
CCSA Answers: AB 2109 and Charter Schools
Question: Does AB 2109 apply to charter schools? If yes, could you please provide more information this new law?
Capitol Update 1/6/14
Included in the Capitol Update this week:
* The Legislature is Back in Session
America's Finest Charter School Adds Two San Diego Business Leaders to its Board of Directors
America’s Finest Charter School adds Stewart Halpern of La Jolla and Julian MacMillan of Point Loma Add Financial and Legal Expertise to its board of directors.
New Year = New Conference Registration Savings Opportunity + Palm Springs Giveaway!
Register by Friday, January 17, 2014 to receive discounted rates and be entered into a drawing to receive a complimentary stay in sunny Palm Springs.
External Opportunity: January 17 deadline to refer foster youth to free college program
Refer foster youth to the United Friends of the Children College Sponsorship Program by January 17 to connect them with free financial support, mentorship, enrichment activities, and post-graduate planning.
External Opportunity: Deadline Jan. 29 for the White House Student Film Festival
President Barack Obama is inviting K-12 students to participate in the first White House Student Film Festival, whose films must focus on technology in education.
External Opportunity: Feb. 7 Deadline for MathMovesU Middle School Scholarships and Grants
Each year Raytheon’s MathMovesU Middle School Scholarship and Grant Program awards 150 middle school students nationwide $1,000 scholarships to attend math and science summer programs or save the money for college. Raytheon also donates a $1,000 matching grant to each winning student’s middle school.