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    Charter Starter 101: How To Start A Charter School

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    This document provides an overview of how to start a charter school in Arizona. It discusses what charter schools are, their purpose and accountability standards. It outlines the steps to open and sustain a quality charter school, including completing a charter application, assembling a founding team with diverse skills, developing an education and business plan, and identifying authorizers and funding sources like grants. Key steps involve understanding the community's needs, defining clear academic outcomes and accountability measures, and committing to ongoing training. Checklists are provided to ensure founders and school leaders have considered all necessary aspects of opening a charter school.

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    Charter Starter 101: How To Start A Charter School

    Uploaded by

    mcx_usa
    48 views50 pages
    This document provides an overview of how to start a charter school in Arizona. It discusses what charter schools are, their purpose and accountability standards. It outlines the steps to open and sustain a quality charter school, including completing a charter application, assembling a founding team with diverse skills, developing an education and business plan, and identifying authorizers and funding sources like grants. Key steps involve understanding the community's needs, defining clear academic outcomes and accountability measures, and committing to ongoing training. Checklists are provided to ensure founders and school leaders have considered all necessary aspects of opening a charter school.

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    This document provides an overview of how to start a charter school in Arizona. It discusses what charter schools are, their purpose and accountability standards. It outlines the steps to open and sustain a quality charter school, including completing a charter application, assembling a founding team with diverse skills, developing an education and business plan, and identifying authorizers and funding sources like grants. Key steps involve understanding the community's needs, defining clear academic outcomes and accountability measures, and committing to ongoing training. Checklists are provided to ensure founders and school leaders have considered all necessary aspects of opening a charter school.

    Copyright:

    Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as pdf or txt
    48 views50 pages

    Charter Starter 101: How To Start A Charter School

    Uploaded by

    mcx_usa
    This document provides an overview of how to start a charter school in Arizona. It discusses what charter schools are, their purpose and accountability standards. It outlines the steps to open and sustain a quality charter school, including completing a charter application, assembling a founding team with diverse skills, developing an education and business plan, and identifying authorizers and funding sources like grants. Key steps involve understanding the community's needs, defining clear academic outcomes and accountability measures, and committing to ongoing training. Checklists are provided to ensure founders and school leaders have considered all necessary aspects of opening a charter school.

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    Charter Starter 101

    How to Start A Charter School

    Agenda:
    What is a charter school? Charter School Myths, Facts, and Numbers Skills and Steps necessary to: Open and sustain a quality charter school Complete a charter application Resources that are available for starting a charter school ACSA School Development Support Grant Opportunities Moderated Panel of Charter School Leaders Q&A session

    Charter schools are


    public schools that are innovative and responsive to students needs while still being held accountable for improved student achievement.

    Purpose of Charter Schools


    To provide a learning environment that will improve pupil achievement. Charter schools provide additional academic choices for parents and pupils. ARS 15-181

    As of Spring 2009, there were over 4,600 charter schools in operation across the country. Each of these schools began as an idea for providing an outstanding educational experience to students in a particular community, city, or state. But the power to establish a charter school is a privilege, not a right, which must be earned based on the quality of the idea. The charter school application serves as the blueprint for this idea, and, when combined with demonstrated capacity, is the best indicator of whether that idea will become a quality charter school.
    -The Charter School Application Process, NACSA Policy Guide

    Myths and Facts


    1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Charter Schools are private schools. Charter schools have no accountability standards. Charter schools can charge some tuition for K-12. Charter schools can actively exclude certain students The district can force a child or prevent a child from attending a charter. Charter schools can be sectarian (religious based). Charter schools do not have to administer statewide performance tests. Charter schools must meet academic standards. Charter schools design a program that responds to specific student needs. False False False False False

    5. 6.
    7. 8.

    False False
    True True

    Regulatory issues
    Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (Rev. 2004) Special Education Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 ELL Regulations Federal Education Right and Privacy Act, FERPA Highly Qualified Staff (do not need to be certified) Charter School Law (Title 15, Article 8 of A.R.S) Charter Contract

    The Arizona Charter Community


    517 charter schools and increasing 123,000+ students and increasing 25% of the states public schools 12% of all public-school students
    Highest percentage for any state in the nation

    Variety of Schools

    Starting a charter school

    Think about it If you could have the best public school you can imagine for children, what would it look like? How would it operate?

    Who can start a charter school?


    Not-for-Profit Corporation For-Profit Corporation Trust LLC Partnership Sole Proprietor Tribal Entity

    Authorizers

    Arizona State Board for Charter Schools Department of Education School Districts Universities and Colleges w/ 15,000 + students

    Authorizer: State Board for Charter Schools


    Has oversight and administrative responsibility for the charter schools it sponsors. - Monitor - Accountability New application typically becomes available in March Offers limited technical assistance via online recorded presentations

    Submitting a quality application

    Just like every entrepreneur, you need a plan!


    Much more than an application A contract with the state Comprehensive Program of Instruction Detailed Business and Operations Plan

    Education Plan
    Educational Philosophy Program of Instruction Curriculum Framework Methods of Instruction Robust Assessment Plan Special Education and ELL Program Curriculum Samples Mastery and Promotion Plan Performance Management Plan

    Detailed Business and Operations Plan


    Organization Description Governance Plan Marketing Plan Management Structure Facilities Personnel Calendar and Daily Schedule Start-Up Budget 3 year operating budget

    Approval Process
    Submit Application to State Board for Charter Schools Office by 5 pm

    Administratively complete

    Application is reviewed by a four person Technical Review Panel

    No revisions needed

    State Board for Charter Schools


    Approves or Denies

    Revision needed
    20 days to revise

    Administratively incomplete
    Not approved Resubmit following year

    Withdraw
    Not approved Resubmit following year

    July 2012

    October/November

    January 2013

    September

    November/December

    Founding Team
    3 to 5 people with diverse skill sets
    Education Business and Finance Fundraising Community and Public Relations/Outreach Facilities Technology Governance HR/Staffing

    This is not a one person endeavor!

    Founding Team

    School Staff

    Governing Board

    Friends and Advisors

    Foundational Steps for Building Quality

    Understand the community

    Know the challenges and opportunities Attend community meetings Involve parents Visit schools Conduct focus groups Talk with local legislators

    Form your team

    Variety of skill sets and knowledge Dedicated to working hard Passionate about the mission

    Define the schools vision, mission, and values

    How does this define the program? When and how will you instill these in all stakeholders?

    Define clear academic outcomes

    What does success look like? Research what works Have a detailed plan for achieving success

    Set up methods of accountability

    Assessment and evaluation Internal financial controls Independent governance and oversight

    Commit to ongoing training

    Curriculum and Instruction Governance Finance Legal Operations Performance Management

    Funding
    Planning and Start Up (must be secured at time of application): The three Fs (Friends, Family, and Fools) Private Loans Grants Operating Basic per pupil state funding around $6,000/yr Additional state and federal money Fundraising

    Grant Opportunities
    Walton Family Foundation High quality schools in the Metro Phoenix area Charter School Program Start-Up Grant (AZ-CSP Grant) US DOE Grant awarded to Arizona

    Walton Family Foundation Start-Up Grant


    Two phases Pre-Authorization Grant for up to $30,000 offered to schools after submission of their charter petition to authorizer. Post-Authorization Grant for up to $220,000 offered only once the charter is formally authorized. Combination Grant ($250,000) available if charter is already approved

    Walton Family Foundation Start-Up Grant


    Criteria Must be recommended by ACSA Must draw the majority of students from within the Phoenix Union High School District Boundaries (includes 13 feeder elementary districts) School must demonstrate an ability to deliver a rigorous and effective academic program to an at-risk population, as well as have sound finance and governing practices.

    Arizona Charter School Program Start-Up Grants


    The AZ-CSP is a competitive, discretionary grant which offers financial incentives to new charter entities that can demonstrate the knowledge, skill and capacity to create and implement challenging curricula, engaging instruction and rigorous assessment.

    Arizona Charter School Program Start-Up Grants


    Exemplars of challenging curricula include, but are not limited to, the following: Advanced Placement International Baccalaureate ACT Quality Core School-developed curriculum with enhanced standards that can be assessed post 10th grade AIMS and serve as predictors of college, technical school and career readiness

    Arizona Charter School Program Start-Up Grants


    Post-Authorization Start-Up funding Up to $690,000 over three years Preference Points for
    Urban or rural setting Low-income population (30% or more) Grades 9-12

    Contact Dr. Mark Francis mark.francis@azed.gov or Martha Morgan martha.morgan@azed.gov

    Founder Basic Check List


    ____ 1. Do the founders have a clear vision around serving students? ____ 2. Has the founding team done some market analysis to identify the need in the community? ____ 3. Has the founding team engaged parents and the community in the planning process? ____ 4. Have the founders developed a team of individuals with a variety of backgrounds/expertise (education, finance, business, law, real estate, etc.)? ____ 5. Do the founders have a research-based plan and methodology to improve student achievement in Arizona? ____ 6. Do the founders know Arizona charter school legislation, ARS 15-181 through 189? ____ 7. Do the founders know how to form a corporation in Arizona? ____ 8. Have the founders determined the advantages and disadvantages of not-for-profit vs. for profit corporation status? ____ 9. Do the founders have cash investors or a line of credit that will support and sustain the material needs, real property needs and personnel and training needs of the school for at least twelve months before it opens? ____ 10. Have the founders defined a governance structure that provides accountability?

    School Leader Check List


    Do the founding organizers have a leader who ____Can articulate a compelling vision of the schools mission and values to all stakeholders and the greater community? ____Unite a team of educators into a professional learning community and who can continuously improve student outcomes? ____Make informed decisions and create a decision making process in stressful situations that are consistent with the mission and values of the school as he/she works with the school community? ____Manage scarce monetary and material resources to support the schools mission to improve student achievement? ____Direct the performance management of the school operation to align, measure and hold accountable the schools staff, students and stakeholders with its stated goals?

    ____Relentlessly pursues results despite facing many challenges and believes failure is not an option.

    Resources
    New School Developer Membership Online Resources Access to our school development team Help in facilitating school visits Legislative Updates Charter Starter Program Comprehensive Training Mentoring and Consulting

    Basic School Developer Membership


    Open to all teams Robust online resources Application Technical Assistance Phone and email support

    Charter Starter Program


    Selective Cohort of high caliber teams Expert led trainings Customized consulting School Study Tours Full application review

    Charter Starter Program


    Purpose:

    To train and coach teams to develop a quality charter school that


    Meets the needs of its community Improves student achievement Maintains a high level of performance throughout its existence
    92,843

    Intensive, year-long support


    November December 2011 Pre-assignments and Market Analysis January June 2012 Program and Business Plan Development Application Writing Workshops and Draft Review June December 2012 Application revision and grant support January 2013 Application Approved

    Support covers
    Organizational Structure Governance Educational Program Design Assessment and Performance Management Special Education/ English Language Development Finance Legal and Regulatory Compliance Operations

    Charter Starter Program Costs


    Support Level Basic School Developer Membership Charter Starter Program non-target area Cost $350 Scholarship N/A Cost for you $350

    $10,000

    $6,000

    $4,000

    Charter Starter Program target area

    $10,000

    $9,000

    $1,000

    Cost is for the entire founding team

    Target Areas:
    Metro Phoenix Area Phoenix Union HS District and its 13 feeder elementary districts

    Metro Tucson Area


    Tucson Unified and Sunnyside School Districts Apache County Navajo County Coconino County Yuma County Pinal County Predominantly serving low income, Hispanic and Native American Students.
    92,843 Students

    Ideal Charter Starter candidates


    Have a clear program vision and can garner buyin from others Have a demonstrated track record of success in professional endeavors Have an intimate knowledge of their community and demonstrate cultural competency Are committed to education and relentlessly pursue results Are able to manage people and build relationships Display professionalism and strong communication skills Are entrepreneurial and highly flexible Accurately assess personal strengths and weaknesses and are always willing to learn Believe that all students can and will achieve success in the school they found

    Charter Starter Timeline:


    Now Application is available September 12th Application is due October 17th -28th Applicant Interviews (by invitation) November Cohort Selected November & December - Pre-assignments January 2012 First session in Phoenix

    Charter School Leader Panel


    Sharon Malone, Principal, Adams Traditional Academy Rachel Yanof, Founder and Executive Director, Phoenix Collegiate Academy Dr. Wendy Noble, Director of Teaching and Learning, EAGLE College Prep

    Peter Bezanson, Chief Academic Officer, Great Hearts Academies


    Kevin Erickson, Co-Founder and Board Member, Empower College Prep

    Q&A Session
    Johanna Medina, Director of School Quality, Arizona State Board for Charter Schools Martha Morgan, Associate Administrator, Arizona Charter Schools Program (AZ-CSP) Grant Office, Arizona Department of Education Andrew Collins, Director of School Development, Arizona Charter Schools Association

    Contact Information: Jessica Gargol, Charter Starter Program Coordinator jessica@azcharters.org Andrew Collins, Director of School Development andrew@azcharters.org

    Good Luck!

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