Topics: Special Education
Notification of SELPA Exit - Deadline June 30, 2018
Looking to explore LEA status or negotiate with your authorizer alternative special education arrangements for the 2019-2020 school year? Consider submitting a non-binding letter notifying your existing SELPA, Authorizer, CCSA, and CDE of your intent to exit the SELPA by June 30, 2018.
Grant Opportunity for Charter Schools to Implement and Enhance Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS)
The Orange County Department of Education (OCDE) was awarded a large grant to implement and enhance Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) statewide to support students’ academic, behavioral and social success. Charter schools are invited to apply for this grant. Learn more on our blog or attend an informational webinar on March 13.
New Report: Charter Schools in LAUSD Charter Operated Program (Option 3) Enrolling More Students with Severe Disabilities, Closing Special Education Achievement Gap
In 2011, LAUSD and charter schools created the Charter Operated Program: Option 3 (COP3), offering charters flexibility and autonomy while maintaining their participation in the LAUSD SELPA. Learn how the COP3 has enabled participating charter schools to expand the range of services offered to students with special needs, increasing enrollment and education outcomes.
Grant Opportunity to support Multi-tiered Systems of Support (MTSS)
As a result of recommendations in the 2015 Statewide Special Education Task Force report, $18 million dollars have been appropriated as part of AB104, Chapter 13, Statutes of 2015, for scaling up of the utilization of a MTSS in Local Education Agencies (LEAs) across California. In April 2016, Orange County Department of Education, was awarded a large grant to implement MTSS statewide and is now accepting applications for sub-grants. Learn more about the grant program and first application period closing March 31.
Register Now: "Inspiration to Action" - El Dorado County SELPA's 2017 Conference
The 2017 Inspiration to Action Symposium is on Feb. 16 in San Diego and will bring together leaders in education who strive to push for systemic improvements in special education. Learn more about this FREE event and how you can get involved.
UPDATED: LAUSD Charter Operated Program Application Deadline Feb. 3
There is an updated deadline for LAUSD charter schools to apply for membership in Option 3 in the Charter Operated Program, which allows each charter school access to a proportionate share of special education funding and to assume full responsibility for providing a free appropriate public education to students. Applications to be part of the program for the 2017-18 school year are due Thursday, February 3. Learn more.
CCSA Answers: Independent Study and Special Education
Question: I am developing an Independent Study charter school. Can special education students be accepted into my program?
Sonoma County Charter SELPA Now Accepting New Members
The Sonoma County Charter SELPA (SCC-SELPA) is now accepting new members! The SCC-SELPA provides a SELPA membership option for charter schools in the the Bay Area, Sacramento area, and coastal regions as far south as Big Sur. Don’t miss the opportunity to gain support for your special education services.
Historic Day for Charters in Butte County SELPA
Four charter schools in Butte County founded a new Charter Voting Region, ensuring that these schools have a voice in the governance of their SELPA.
SELPA Exit Letter Deadline: June 30, 2016
In order to maintain the option of exploring LEA status for special education, or negotiating an alternative special education arrangement for the 2017-2018 school year, charter schools must submit a letter notifying their current SELPA, CDE, and CCSA Special Education Team of their intent to exit by the deadline.
New Technology Accessibility Resources on CCSA's Website
CCSA is excited to announce two new resource pages on the website that can help charter schools navigate technology accessibility concerns.
CDE Now Accepting Applications for Director of Special Education Division: Due February 1, 2016
Apply today for the position of Director of Special Education Division at the CDE.
FREE Technology Accessibility Webinar Featuring Guest Speakers - October 27!
Learn best practices in this FREE webinar for how to manage when the latest technological enhancement to your academic program is not accessible to students or parents with disabilities. The webinar also offers 1.5 California participatory MCLE credits
Nominations Open for CCSA's Special Education STAR Award!
The STAR Award offers an opportunity for you to highlight an outstanding individual or team demonstrating exemplary support to students with disabilities. Nomination deadline is November 14!
Register Today for Special Education 201: Understanding and Exercising Your Options for Special Education Services
Join us for this session that will cover the Special Education MOU options available to you, and how to ensure that you have the flexibility you need in order to provide high quality special education services.
Register Today: Special Education 101 Webinar on August 24!
Join CCSA’s Special Education Team to learn about special education and charter schools during a FREE webinar on August 24.
A Night to Remember Prom: An Unforgettable Success!
At the annual A Night to Remember Prom, 850 students from 70+ San Diego county schools were treated to a free Prom Night experience.
Have You Submitted Your Nomination for CCSA's Special Education STAR Award?
The STAR Award offers an opportunity for you to highlight an outstanding individual or team that is demonstrating exemplary support to students with disabilities. Nomination deadline is February 28!
CCSA is Seeking Great Special Education Service Providers & We Need Your Help!
If your school is currently receiving services from a great service provider, CCSA would like to hear from you! If you would like to find out about great service providers in your area, review our Qualified Special Education Service Providers list.
Reminder: SELPA Membership Application Deadlines for 2015-16 are Quickly Approaching
If you have determined that your school is ready to become an LEA for special education purposes and have taken the necessary steps to pursue LEA status, don’t miss the deadline and submit your SELPA membership application.
Debunking Myths About Special Education and Charters
An inspiring story from a parent of a student with special needs whose life was transformed by a charter school.
The Classical Academies Charter Schools Demonstrates Hybrid Models Can be Successful for Serving All Students Including Students with Special Needs
Special Education is a field that is wide open to embracing the many autonomy that the charter movement offers. As a hybrid model, Classical Academies offers its students a high quality combination of both a rigorous classroom setting combined with the personalization provided by independent study.
Congratulations to CCSA STAR Award Winner Joni Narasaki from Port of Los Angeles (POLA) High School!
Joni Narasaki of Port of Los Angeles (POLA) High School is the winner of CCSA’s STAR Award for excellence in special education!
New Special Education Resource: Discipline Procedures for Students in Charter Schools
The CCSA Discipline Policies and Procedures for Students in Charter Schools FAQs is intended to provide guidance to charter schools in developing student discipline policies that are legally compliant and align with best practices for students.
LAUSD's Charter Operated Program Schools Continue to Increase the Percentage and Range of Students with Disabilities
Read a new report highlighting successes of schools and students in LAUSD’s Charter Operated Program Option 3 which restructured the existing SELPA to provide charter schools a new option with full responsibility, flexibility and autonomy for serving students with disabilities.
Qualified Special Education Service Providers
If your school is currently receiving services from a great service provider or if your school would like to find out about great service providers in your area, learn more about our list of Qualified Special Education Service Providers.
Nominate an Exceptional Student for the Yes I Can Awards by July 1
The California Council for Exceptional Children is honoring exceptional students with the Yes I Can Awards.
STAR Award nominations: Due June 30!
Submit your STAR Award nomination today for your special education teacher, program administrator and coordinator, or school leaders who are demonstrating innovation and best practices serving students with disabilities.
CCSA's Special Education Team Announces the First STAR Award Winner!
CCSA and the Special Education Team would like to congratulate Ms. Logan Juve Janicula from Rocketship Los Sueños, for becoming the first STAR Award winner!
Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (NCI) Training for Charter Schools in LAUSD SELPA
Register Today! The LAUSD SELPA will be hosting a two-day training on Non-violent Crisis Intervention (NCI) for Charter Schools in LAUSD SELPA.
Adapting Lessons for Students with IEPs Workshop on March 28
The Charter Operated Programs will be hosting a free workshop called Adapting Lessons for Students with IEPs.
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.
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.”
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.
CCSA Answers: Independent Study and Special Education
Question: I am developing an Independent Study charter school. Can special education students be accepted into my program?
Enroll today in CCSA's New Special Education Service-Sharing Map
Now expanding statewide: CCSA’s interactive map to support schools in building their special education infrastructure and to facilitate service sharing!
New Report on LAUSD's Special Education Reorganization Shows Promising Results
Read about the progress to date in this detailed report on the first year of the program.
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.
Serving Our Most Vulnerable Youth - Stuart Foundation Update
Thank you so much to all of you who have participated in the Stuart Foundation meeting last meeting on Thursday! Outlined below are major takeaways, next steps and information about the upcoming meeting.
CDE Special Education Commission Seeks Student Representative
Deadline extended to April 19! Applicants must currently be enrolled in a K−12 curriculum and receiving special education and/or related services.
New Special Education Option for San Diego Unified Charters to Take Effect July 2013
The San Diego Unified School District Board (SDUSD) of Education voted to approve a new special education arrangement for charter schools authorized by SDUSD.
Enrolling and Serving Students with Disabilities in Charter Schools
What additional considerations apply for independent study and nonclassroom-based charter schools? Get answers to these questions and more with our new web resource.
Seneca's New Multidisciplinary RTI Model Helps Charter Schools Position All Students for Success
Long-time providers of a comprehensive continuum of support services for children and families, they are now consulting and partnering with charter schools to enhance intervention supports.
Special Education MOU's Due April 1 for LAUSD charter schools
All LAUSD-authorized charter schools will be required to select a new special education arrangement and sign a new memorandum of understanding by April 1, 2013 to take effect for the 2013-14 school year. Learn more at the Feb. 5 LA Regional Meeting!
February 28: Reach For Success- An Evening of Transition for Students with Disabilities
All LA charter high school students with unique needs and their parents are invited to explore post-secondary options and community resources! Granada Hills Charter High School in partnership with Birmingham Community Charter High School is hosting an evening focused on transition.
New Partnership Between District-run Special Ed Center and LA Charter School
We are excited to announce a brand new partnership that launched Jan. 10 between Granada Hills Charter High School and Leichman Special Education Center which is run by the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD).
Seeking Increased Autonomy and Funding for Special Education? Submit Your SELPA Application Now
If your school is dissatisfied with your current special education services, you might consider the option of local educational agency (LEA) status for special education.
Knowing Your Special Education Options is Always Beneficial
As many of you are aware, providing special education services at public schools is a very complex subject.
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.
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.
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.
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?
Start Planning Special Education for 2013-14 Now!
If your school is dissatisfied with your current special education funding or service delivery arrangements, now is the time to begin planning alternative arrangements for next year.
San Diego Charter Leaders Invited to Attend Special Education JPA Open House
Charter schools interested in sharing special education services or learning more about the San Diego Countywide Special Education Authority are encouraged to attend the Board of Directors Meeting and Open House to follow on September 18, 2012.
CCSA Answers: Can a Student with Special Needs who is over Age 19 Generate ADA?
Question: A student who is eligible for special education services and is over the age of 19 would like to complete his high school education at our charter school. Would we be able to collect ADA for this student? He would be enrolling in our school for the first time.
Now Playing: "Shelby's Story"
“Shelby is 13 and she’s in 6th grade, and up until last year, she was never in any grade,” says her mom. Thanks to Aspire Alexander Twilight College Secondary Academy, that’s no longer the case.
External Opportunity: National Charter School Resource Center Special Education Conference
“Building the Capacity of Charter Schools: Effectively Serving Students With Disabilities” will be held Tuesday, June 19, 2012, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., during a full-day preconference event that will take place the day before the 2012 National Charter Schools Conference begins.
Important Special Education Updates
If your school is interested in pursuing LEA status for the 2013-2014 school year, you must submit a letter notifying your existing SELPA of your intent to exit the SELPA by June 30, 2012. CCSA has resources, including a May 3 workshop, to assist charters in understanding and exercising your options for serving students with special needs!
April 26: External Opportunity, Free Special Ed Webinar
Cross & Joftus is offering a free webinar for charter school educators on how to develop a systems approach to special education. The webinar will highlight successful collaborations and best practices from across the country, including Los Angeles.
Open Enrollment for Bay Area Special Ed JPA: April 1 - May 4
Interested charters from the Bay Area, including Contra Costa, Alameda, Santa Clara and San Mateo counties, can still enroll in the recently created Bay Area Special Education Joint Powers Authority.
New SELPA for Region 1 - Deadline Approaches
Dissatisfied with your special education arrangements? Seeking increased autonomy, flexibility and access to funding? Read on for important updates and timelines.
Take Advantage of Upcoming Special Education Workshops
Join us for “Special Education 101: Understanding Your Rights, Responsibilities and Options when Serving Students with Special Needs,” “Charter Petition & MOU: Special Education Sections,” and “Special Education 201: Understanding and Exercising Your Options for Special Education.”
New Video: "Why I Chose Option 3"
LAUSD-authorized charters have until Jan. 30 to opt in to the new Option 3 under the SELPA. In our new video, Toby Bornstein of Multicultural Learning Center shares why she felt Option 3 was the best choice for her school and her students.
Updated and Expanded Special Education Resources
CCSA’s Special Education mission is to empower charter schools to provide high quality and compliant special education services to an increased number and broader range of students with exceptional needs, by building a statewide infrastructure of resources that supports the flexible and autonomous nature of charter schools. We have recently updated and expanded our online special education resources for members.
Nov. 7: Bay Area Special Education JPA Upcoming Meeting
Interested charters from the Bay Area and surrounding counties are invited to learn more about the new Bay Area Special Education Joint Powers Authority.
Improved services to our Central Valley families with special needs
A number of schools have approached us about creating an informal working group on special education. This will involve a dialogue about the challenges each school faces in serving special education students and engagement from our team of special education experts to help look for solutions.
Oct. 20: Option 3 Meeting
The Governance Council will be discussing service sharing options, the OIG audiet report and the OIM Enrollment Practices Report.
Can Charter School JPA's Help Serve Special Needs Kids Better?
Across Northeastern California, charter schools are collaborating to increase their capacity to serve student with special needs well. Formalizing these collaborations into Joint Powers Authorities (JPA) can help provide stability and structure for charter participants.
San Diego-Area Training Opportunity Reminders
Don’t forget about all the training opportunities coming up at the end of this month and next, including in-person governance and special education sessions!
LAUSD Charter SELPA Director Position
We are now in search of a SELPA Director for the new LAUSD Charter Operated Programs Division and are reaching out to you in hopes of identifying a qualified candidate for the position.
Butte County Office of Education Convenes Charter Leaders
Charter leaders from Chico, Paradise, Nord, Forest Ranch and other communities in Butte County in participated in a luncheon hosted by the Butte County Office of Education (BCOE) to increase collaboration between BCOE and charter operators.
Special Ed 101 & 201 Webinars Available to Valley Schools This Week
I’ve had a lot of questions and info requests from member schools on special education issues. Even in the Valley, where we’ve had our first County Office of Education SELPA provide new special education options for charters.
Nov. 7: Mark your Calendars - Bay Area Special Education JPA Meeting
Calling interested charters from the Bay Area and surrounding Solano, Sonoma, Napa, Monterey, Santa Cruz, Contra Costa counties! Learn how a Special Education JPA can help your school.
Oct. 11 & 13: Special Ed 101 and 201
Are you new to special education? Or are you perhaps familiar with the basics and now want to know more about becoming a Local Education Agency (LEA) for special education? Don’t miss our Special Education 101 and 201 webinars, where you can learn about a variety of topics to help your school improve access to and outcomes from services for students with special needs.
Oct. 12: Workshops on Special Ed in the Charter Setting
Bob Farran, former Director of the Southwest SELPA, is leading two workshops on special education, touching on best practices in intervention, referrals and services and IEP implementation. This event will be held at Vaughn Learning Center in San Fernando.
LAUSD Independent Monitor Issues Report on Charter Admissions Policies
In response to concerns from parents that that charter schools were requiring parents to provide information regarding special education eligibility and services on lottery application forms, the Office of the Independent Monitor (OIM) recently conducted a review of applications and enrollment forms of LA area charter schools.
Option 3 Governance Council Met Sept. 19
The council elected Brian Bauer of Granada Hills Charter High School Council Chair, Jackie Elliot of PUC Schools was voted Vice Chair.
LAUSD Special Ed and Renewal Updates
A governance meeting has been scheduled for the Charter Operated Program of the newly reorganized LAUSD SELPA/Option 3. Also, a “heads up” about an upcoming meeting for 2011-2012 renewing schools.
New Bay Area Special Education Joint Powers Authority
An enthusiastic and strong team of charter leaders recently met and decided to develop a Special Ed JPA with CCSA support. They are busy designing a unique JPA structure with a goal to help Bay Area schools like theirs better serve all students with special needs.
Special Education Gains in the San Diego Region
San Diego charter schools are making huge gains in serving their special education students independent of their districts. Now charter schools in the county have decided to follow in their footsteps. Learn about the creation of a second JPA to serve these charter schools.
Aug. 24 and 25: Medi-Cal Claiming Programs Information Sessions
LAUSD is close to completion of the ARRA funds projects for charter schools. One of the few remaining projects was the Medi-cal billing service for charters. A vendor has been selected and charters have the opportunity to access these services at no cost. In order to learn about the services, and receive information on how to access the services, come to one of two separate dinners being held this week.
Improving Special Education Services through a Bay Area JPA
Charter leaders throughout the Bay Area are exploring how to create a Bay Area Special Education Joint Powers Authority (JPA) to mitigate the challenges that many schools are facing with special education service delivery.
Aug. 5-6: Free Special Education Summit
Los Angeles charter school administrators and teachers are invited to attend a free two-day summit on special education. There is no cost for all qualifying LAUSD Charter Schools with $100 stipends available to certified teachers and $75 for paraprofessionals.
Schools Can Modify LAUSD Special Ed Outreach Statement
Did the LAUSD Charter School Division ask you to include a special education notice on all materials? CCSA supports the goal of informing parents, but feel free to modify the recommended wording.
Resources to Support Upcoming Special Education Deadline
Interested in exploring LEA status for special education for the 2012-2013 school year? Get the details on the critical June 30 deadline.