Curriculum and Special Programs

One key benefit of starting a charter school is the ability to develop curriculum that addresses state standards in a creative, yet effective, way. This can extend beyond the school day into after school time, and preschool programs. This section provides information on A-G requirements and the University of California course approval procedures, as well as tips for starting and funding an after school or preschool program.

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Resources to Support Charter School Curriculum

• Common Core
  • Common Core State Standards
    Provides an overview of the Standards, plus drafting a charter school transition and professional development plans.
  • Implementing Common Core Standards School-wide
    Covers an overview of the Common Core State Standards, drafting a charter school transition plan, and drafting a professional development plan for teachers.
  • Helping Families Understand Common Core
    What is the Common Core? As school leaders, you can help ensure that parents understand the Common Core.
• Linked Learning
  In depth look at the core components and principles of Linked Learning (previously known as Multiple Pathways), how it works, proven benefits, and ways to establish a similar program.
• Career Technical Education
  The mission of Career Technical Education (CTE) is to provide industry-linked programs and services that enable all individuals to: achieve their career goals, become economically self-sufficient, compete in the global marketplace, and contribute to the state's economic prosperity.
• Outline of A-G Requirements and Submission Procedures
  This outline introduces the "a-g" course requirements, the process of submitting courses for approval, provides an overview of what the UCOP focuses on in the review process, and briefly touches on WASC accreditation.
• Sexual Health Education
  Since California's charter schools have great latitude and flexibility with regard to curriculum design, the passage of the standards provides a significant opportunity for charters to institute new sex education instruction or review and revise existing instruction.

Resources to Support Special Programs at a Charter School

• How to Start a Preschool Program
  A growing number of charter schools are realizing the value of Pre-Kindergarten intervention, and have established, or wish to establish, a preschool program.
• How to Fund an After School Program
  Learn more about the complex network of financing available including five public funding options for after school programs, plus tuition programs and philanthropic support.
• How to Fund a Preschool Program
  There is no single path to starting a preschool program at a charter school.
• How to Start an After School Program
  A guide to the basics of establishing an after school program at a charter school.