February 2014
Capitol Update 2/28/14
Included in the Capitol Update this week:
* Bill List
* AB 1266 Referendum Fails
* Stay Up to Date on CDE Reporting and Corrections Deadlines
* Energy Commission Announces Second Webinar for Proposition 39 (Energy Efficiency) Program Training
* Happenings: Updates and Deadlines
Prop 39 Applicants: Reminder to Respond to the District's Preliminary Offer by March 1
Charter schools must respond by this deadline, expressing any concerns with the offer and/or making a counter-offer. Find details and template response letters.
Featured Grant: School Breakfast Program and Summer Food Service Program Start-up or Expansion
Funding for nonrecurring expenses incurred in initiating or expanding a (1) School Breakfast Program (SBP), serving students in kindergarten through grade twelve or (2) Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), serving children and youth eighteen years of age and under during school breaks.
CCSA Answers: Definition of Full Time Equivalent (FTE) and SB 740 Funding Determination
Question: We are completing our SB 740 Non-classroom Based Funding Determination Form. How does the state define a “Full Time Equivalent” (FTE)? We need this information for our non-classroom based charter school to meet the 25:1 student to teacher ratio.
Capitol Update 2/20/14
Included in the Capitol Update this week:
* Action Alert: CCSA and National Alliance Asks your Support for Federal Charter Schools Program Funds
* 2014-15 Governor’s Budget Webinar and LCFF Video Posted
* Happenings: Updates and Deadlines
Charter School Facilities Survey at 21st Conference + Chance to Win!
Learn more and sign up to take the Charter School Facilities Initiative Survey at the 21st Annual California Charter Schools Conference, March 3-6.
Tools to Help You Prepare for the Upcoming Annual Conference & Why You Should Register Now!
More than 2,800 charter school leaders, teachers and supporters will come together in San Jose March 3-6 to celebrate, network, share and learn. We’ve provided all the tools to help you get ready before you arrive onsite. Want to check out San Jose Innovation—sign up for SJ School Tours now. Haven’t registered? There’s still time.
Don't Miss CCSA's Pre-Conference Public Charter Schools Grant Program Workshop!
These workshops will provide your school with the governance and fiscal management training required by the PCSGP!
LAUSD MiSiS Survey Responses Requested by Feb. 21
CCSA encourages you to complete the recent survey from LAUSD about your current student information systems.
Feb. 19 & 20: Don't miss NWEA Map 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 February as well as a coffee talk at CCSA’s Conference.
Don't Miss Finance Academy: Part One!
This in-person workshop, perfect for new charter schools, school leaders and board members, is offered in the Bay Area, the Central Valley and Los Angeles
Featured Grant: Radio Disney Hero for Change Award
Awards for ongoing, youth-led projects that highlight the creativity and commitment of young people working to meet the needs of others.
CCSA Answers: Frequency of Conducting Fire Drills at a Charter School
Question: How often are charter schools required to hold fire drills?
CharterSAFE: Join Us for School Safety Breakout Sessions at the 21st Annual California Charter Schools Conference
CharterSAFE is proud to return as the principal sponsor of the 21st Annual California Charter Schools Conference. Please join us for these important sessions about school safety.
Interested in Knowing How Your Students Are Doing After Graduation? Learn About CalPASS!
California has a new, actionable system of data linking student performance from pre-K through 12, to college and the workplace so you can track how your students are succeeding after graduation.
Strategic Alternatives to Suspension Workshop Part II - February 28
If your school needs assistance with strategic alternatives to suspension this is the workshop for you! Attendees will learn about SWPBIS and the LAUSD Foundation Policy, developing a Progress Monitoring Action plan and developing appropriate and strategic alternatives to suspensions that fit the culture of your charter.
Capitol Update 2/13/14
Included in the Capitol Update this week:
* California State Controller Request for Employee Salary and Benefit Information
* New Smarter Balanced Field Test Flash Listserv
* Happenings: Updates and Deadlines
Form 700 Filing Deadline - April 1
The filing deadline for local public agency officers and employees to file a Statement of Economic Interest (or Form 700) with their filing officer under the California Political Reform Act is April 1.
LAUSD Authorized Schools: Form 700 Filing Deadline - March 21
If you are an LAUSD authorized charter school, learn more information regarding the filing of Form 700.
Last Chance to Save! CCSA's Annual Conference Registration Deadline Extended to February 21
CCSA has extended the standard pricing for the 21st Annual California Charter Schools Conference, March 3-6, until Friday, February 21. This means you have a whole extra week to take advantage of a This is the last week to register for the event at these discounted rates and save $50 discount on individual and group pricing. Onsite pricing begins February 22.
St. Hope and SENECA Present: "Support Students with Challenging Behaviors"
One of the most requested topics for professional development is around handling challenging behaviors. This training will offer attendees clear guidance on building school wide capacity for supporting students with intense behaviors that are impacting learning.
Lunch & Learn: Common Core Implementation - Oakland
Join us for the session, “Keeping up with Common Core Implementation,” coordinated by your Regional Director and offered by CCSA Vendor Member, EdTec.
Lunch & Learn: Common Core Implementation - Santa Rosa
Join us for the session, “Keeping up with Common Core Implementation,” coordinated by your Regional Director and offered by CCSA Vendor Member, EdTec.
Lunch & Learn: Facilities Funding Opportunities - Fresno
Join us for the session, “Building Credit to Finance Your Building,” coordinated by your Regional Director and offered by CCSA Vendor Member, RBC Capital Markets.
Lunch & Learn: HR Best Practices - San Bernardino
Join us for the session, “What Teachers & Staff Need to Know to Maximize Retirement Income,” coordinated by your Regional Director and offered by CCSA Vendor Member, First Investors.
California State Controller Request for Employee Salary and Benefit Information
The California State Controller sent letters to every County Office of Education, school district and charter school throughout the State requesting salary and benefit information for every school employee. Learn more about how this request impacts charter schools.
Spread the Word about Exciting LA College-Readiness Report
CCSA has released a new report on Los Angeles public high schools which shows that charter schools surpass traditional district schools in graduating college-ready students of all backgrounds.
Just Around the Corner: Finance Academy Part One
This in-person workshop, offered in the Bay Area, the Central Valley and Los Angeles, will assist charter schools that are engaged in the strategic planning process work toward long-term sustainability.
Featured Grant: World of Children Youth Award
Recognizes a young hero (under the age of 21) who is making extraordinary contributions to the lives of other children.
CCSA Answers: Reporting a Student's Un-enrollment from a Charter School
Question: We have a student who will no longer be attending our charter school. What is the process for reporting her un-enrollment to our chartering agency?
Capitol Update 2/7/14
Included in the Capitol Update this week:
* Advisory Commission on Charter Schools Meets
* New EdSource Resource Guide on the Local Control Funding Formula
* WestED Common Core Webinar
* New Frequently Asked Questions Fact Sheet on Proposition 39: Energy Efficiency Available
* Happenings: Updates and Deadlines
Feb. 24 - Finance Academy: Part One in Los Angeles
This in-person workshop is geared towards new charter schools, school leaders and board members, including those working with business service providers.
Lunch & Learn: Board Member Recruitment & Training - Los Angeles
Join us for the session, “Leveraging Networks and Strengthening Supports,” coordinated by your Regional Director and offered by CCSA Vendor Member, ExED.
Last Week for Discounted Conference Registration Rates + 21-21-21 Special: Want to Win a Stay in Palm Springs?
This is the last week to register at a discounted rate for the 21st Annual California Charter Schools Conference, March 3-6, 2014 in San Jose. Onsite pricing begins February 15. Register within the next 21 hours and you’ll be entered to win a great prize!
Introducing the Environmental Learning Center at Hyperion
The Environmental Learning Center is a new, free facility operated by the City of Los Angeles for middle school students and up.
Prop 39 Applicants: Did Your District Provide a Preliminary Offer of Facilities?
Under the Prop. 39 regulations, districts are required to make preliminary offers of facilities to eligible charter schools by February 1. Charter schools must respond to these preliminary offers by March 1.
Feb 7 and 28: LAUSD Special Education Training Opportunities
Two fantastic opportunities: “Connecting the Dots when Writing IEPs with Behavior Support Plans (BSPs)” and “Strategic Alternatives to Suspension Workshop Part II.”