2018 New Charter School Application Cycle Presented by: APS Office - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

2018 New Charter School Application Cycle

Presented by: APS Office of Autonomous Schools Lamont W. Browne, Ed.D., Executive Director Mackenzie Khan, Charter School Coordinator June 5, 2018

Every Student Shapes a Successful Future

1

Every Student Shapes a Successful Future

Presentation Purpose

• Why is this topic on the board agenda?
• To apprise the Board of the APS New Charter Application Process
• To inform the Board of the Superintendent’s recommendation for each of

the following charter school applications: Aurora Community School and Empower Community High School

• What are we asking the board to do with this information?
• The Board is asked to take the recommendations under consideration,

and make a decision during the June 19 Board meeting

• How is this linked to the Strategic Plan, Vision, Mission, goals & core

beliefs?

• The goal of our charter school application process is to ensure that only

quality school choice options are approved to open in our community

2

Every Student Shapes a Successful Future

Presentation Outline

3

• 1. Role of the Charter School Authorizer
• 2. Overview of the 2018 APS New Charter School Application

Process

• 3. APS Charter School Application and Evaluation Rubric
• 4. 2018 Application Evaluations and Recommendations
• A. Aurora Community School
• B. Empower Community High School

Every Student Shapes a Successful Future

Colorado State Statute

4

• Charter Schools Act [C.R.S. 22-30.5-107 (1.5)] requires the school

district’s accountability committee to review charter school applications.

• Charter Schools Act [C.R.S. 22-30.5-107 (2.0)] states that the local

board of education shall rule by resolution on the application for a charter school in a public hearing, upon reasonable public notice, within 90 days of receiving the application.

• Charter Schools Act [C.R.S. 22-30.5-107 (5.0)] states that a school

district may unilaterally impose conditions on a charter applicant or

• n a charter school only through adoption of a resolution of the

local board of education of the school district.

Every Student Shapes a Successful Future

Colorado State Statute (cont’d.)

5

Charter Schools Act [22-30.5-106]

• The charter school application is a proposed agreement upon which

the charter applicant and the chartering local board of education negotiate a charter contract.

• Lists all sections that should be included in the application, which is

reflected in the APS Charter School Application template.

Charter Schools Act [22-30.5-105 (3.0)(a)]

• If the state board finds that the local board's decision was contrary to

the best interests of the pupils, school district, or community, the state board shall remand such decision to the local board of education with written instructions for reconsideration thereof.

Every Student Shapes a Successful Future

Role of the Authorizer – NACSA Best Practices

“A quality authorizer implements a comprehensive application process that…follows fair, transparent procedures and rigorous criteria…” “A quality authorizer implements a charter application process that is open, well publicized, and transparent, and is organized around clear, realistic timelines.” “A quality authorizer rigorously evaluates each application through…a substantive in-person interview with the applicant group.” “A quality authorizer engages, for both written application reviews and applicant interviews, highly competent teams of internal and external evaluators with relevant educational, organizational (governance and management), financial, and legal expertise, as well as a thorough understanding of the essential principles of charter school autonomy and accountability.”

• National Association of Charter School Authorizers, 12 Essential Practices, 2012

6

It is recommended that…

Every Student Shapes a Successful Future

2018 Process Timeline

7

February-March Office of Autonomous Schools conducts various trainings for all charter school application review teams (DAAC, CSAC, IART). February 8, 2018 Charter school applicant submits letter of intent to apply 30 days prior to the application due date. March 9, 2018 Charter school applicant submits online and paper application by 4:30pm to the Office of Autonomous Schools. March 23, 2018 Within 15 days of receiving a charter school application, APS determines if the application is complete. All applicants receive a “Completeness Check” form from the Office of Autonomous Schools the same day of submission. If the charter school application is not complete, the district notifies the charter school within the 15 day period. The 90 day clock starts when the application has been determined to be complete. April 6, 2018 The charter school applicant has 15 days from date of notification (March 23) to provide the information required by district. April 9, 2018 Charter school application review teams (DAAC, CSAC, IART) receive charter applications and begin review process.

Every Student Shapes a Successful Future

8

Mid April – Early May Applicants present to APS charter application review teams followed by applicant interviews. varies Within 48 hours of interview, Office of Autonomous Schools provides applicant with follow-up questions. varies Applicant has 7 days to respond to follow-up questions from interview in writing. June 5, 2018 Applicant presents to APS Board of Education. Office of Autonomous Schools presents Superintendent recommendations to the APS Board. June 19, 2018 Charter Schools Act [C.R.S. 22-30.5-107 (2.0)] states that the local board of education shall rule by resolution on the application for a charter school in a public hearing, upon reasonable public notice, within 90 days of receiving the application. 90 days after APS Board of Education approves a charter application (by September 18, 2018) All negotiations between the charter school and local board of education on the contract shall be concluded by, and all terms of contract agreed upon, no later than 90 days after local board rules by resolution on the application for a charter school.

Process Timeline (cont’d.)

Every Student Shapes a Successful Future

2018 APS New Charter School Application Process

9

 Individualized reviewer trainings scheduled for evaluation of best practices for charter application reviews  Meetings with applicants before application deadline to clarify

• utstanding questions regarding process to ensure quality submission

 Conflict of Interest disclosures for all applicant reviewers  Unlimited technical assistance provided to all applicants  Development and distribution of a survey for reviewers and charter applicant team members to provide feedback of the 2018 Application Process and suggestions for improvement

Every Student Shapes a Successful Future

10

Charter Application

APS Office of Autonomous Schools (OAS) District Accountability Advisory Committee (DAAC)* Charter School Advisory Committee (CSAC)

APS Internal Application Review Team (IART)

*Charter Schools Act [C.R.S. 22-30.5-107 (1.5)] requires the school district’s accountability committee to review charter school applications.

Every Student Shapes a Successful Future

Charter Application Reviewers

OAS DAAC CSAC IART

Executive Director APS Parent APS Planning Coordinator APS Legal Counsel Charter School Coordinator APS Executive Director, School Leadership APS Director, Exceptional Student Services APS Controller Director, Strategy & Innovation APS ESS Consultant APS Accountant APS Director, Nutrition Services Manager, Innovation School Performance APS Program Manager, Teaching & Learning APS CLDE Consultant APS Director, Transportation Project Manager Previous APS Board Member Charter School Director, K-6 APS Director, Employee Relations Community Member Charter School Director, K-12 APS Director, Culturally & Linguistically Diverse Education Community Member Charter School Principal, K-8 Community Member 11

Every Student Shapes a Successful Future

12

EDUCATIONAL

• Vision & Mission
• Goals, Objectives, & Pupil

Performance

• Educational Program & Standards
• Serving Exceptional and

Educationally Disadvantaged Students

• Student Discipline, Expulsion, or

Suspension

• Plan for Evaluating Pupil

Performance

OPERATIONAL

• Enrollment Policy and Outreach
• Governance
• Evidence of Support
• Parents & Community

Involvement

• Dispute Resolution Process
• Waivers

FINANCIAL

• Budget & Finance
• Facilities
• Transportation
• Food Service
• Employees
• Insurance Coverage
• School Management Contracts

Red Lettering: Essential Component

Charter Application Components

Every Student Shapes a Successful Future

13

Rating Scale Characteristics Exceeds Criteria The response reflects a thorough understanding of key issues and fully meets or exceeds these criteria. It addresses the topic with specific and accurate information that shows thorough preparation; presents a clear, realistic picture of how the school expects to operate; and inspires confidence in the applicant’s capacity to carry out the plan effectively. Examples or evidence are provided for all appropriate sections. Meets Criteria The response adequately addresses or meets an appropriate level of expectation for these criteria. Examples or evidence are provided for all appropriate sections if available. If examples or evidence are unavailable, a timeline to include or submit this information is stated in the application. Partially Meets Criteria The response meets the criteria in some respects but does not sufficiently address or has substantial gaps in a number of areas. Examples and evidence are provided in a few appropriate sections. Does Not Meet Criteria The response is wholly undeveloped or significantly incomplete; demonstrates lack of preparation; or otherwise raises substantial concerns about the viability of the plan or the applicant’s ability to carry it out. No examples or evidence are provided.

Application Evaluation Rubric

Every Student Shapes a Successful Future

14

Rating Scale Points Exceeds Criteria 3 Meets Criteria 2 Partially Meets Criteria 1 Does Not Meet Criteria

Application Scoring

Maximum Total Points = 40 Maximum Total Sections = 20 Overall Score Rating

80-100% Meets Criteria 60-79% Partially Meets Criteria <60% Does Not Meet Criteria

Every Student Shapes a Successful Future

Applicant Interest

15

8

Interested Applicants

5

Letters of Intent

3*

Submitted Applications

*1 application withdrawal

Every Student Shapes a Successful Future

16

Aurora Community School (ACS) Charter School Application Evaluation & Superintendent Recommendation

Every Student Shapes a Successful Future

Aurora Community School (ACS)

• Anticipated Opening: Fall 2019
• Enrollment Projections:
• Model: Community School
• Grades: K-8 (starting with K-2 & 6, followed by two grades per

year until reaching full capacity)

• Desired Region: Northwest Aurora
• Charter Management Organization (CMO): None

17

2019-20 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23 2023-24 265 475 580 660 660

Every Student Shapes a Successful Future

Summary of Application Evaluation - ACS

18

Exceeds Criteria Meets Criteria Partially Meets Criteria Does Not Meet Criteria Not Applicable Number

• f Sections

15 4 1 Total Points 30 4 n/a Section Percentages 0% 79% 21% 0% n/a Total Score: 34/38 Total Points = 89% Overall Rating:

Meets Criteria

Every Student Shapes a Successful Future

Summary of Application Evaluation - ACS

19

Executive Summary Meets Criteria Vision & Mission Statement Meets Criteria Goals, Objectives, & Pupil Performance Standards Meets Criteria Educational Performance & Standards Meets Criteria Serving Exceptional and Educationally Disadvantaged Students Partially Meets Criteria Student Discipline, Expulsion or Suspension Meets Criteria Plan for Evaluating Pupil Performance Meets Criteria Enrollment Policy and Outreach Meets Criteria Governance Meets Criteria Evidence of Support Partially Meets Criteria Parent & Community Involvement Meets Criteria Budget & Finance Partially Meets Criteria Facilities Partially Meets Criteria Transportation Meets Criteria Food Service Meets Criteria Employees Meets Criteria Insurance Coverage Meets Criteria Dispute Resolution Process Meets Criteria Waivers Meets Criteria School Management Contracts N/A

Every Student Shapes a Successful Future

Essential Component Rationale - ACS

20

Goals, Objectives, & Pupil Performance Standards Meets Criteria The application adequately addresses the specific outcomes anticipated for the school. There was concern regarding the ambition

• f the school's academic goals, however, the applicant addressed the

concern through the follow-up questions. Educational Performance & Standards Meets Criteria The application initially adequately addressed indicators around educational philosophy, curriculum, instruction, and professional development, however, clarity was required regarding the alignment between their educational plan and targeted population. The applicant adequately addressed this alignment in their interview. Plan for Evaluating Pupil Performance Meets Criteria The application adequately defines how the school will determine whether it is meeting its goals through internal assessments. Further information was required regarding their plan to track internal assessment data, which was provided through the follow-up questions. Governance Meets Criteria The application adequately describes the Governing Board and its specific roles/responsibilities. The applicant also adequately addressed concern regarding the diversity of experiences on the board through the follow-up questions.

Every Student Shapes a Successful Future

21

Serving Exceptional and Educationally Disadvantaged Students Partially Meets Criteria While the school's plan to serve exceptional students meets the majority of the indicators in the application rubric, the plan provided through the application and responses during follow-up do not provide a continuum of placement options for students and does not adequately reflect the real variability of types of students the school may serve given the population of students with disabilities in Aurora. The school's plan should be strengthened as a condition for approval. Evidence of Support Partially Meets Criteria The application demonstrated an adequate understanding of neighboring schools, the community, and plans for developing additional community support. Letters of support were included as an attachment, but the majority of support was from organizations and professionals outside of Aurora.

Rationale (cont’d.)

Every Student Shapes a Successful Future

22

Budget & Finance Partially Meets Criteria The 5-yr budget and accompanying narrative partially addresses the criteria but does not demonstrate realistic assumptions for costs related to the school's staffing model, programming, and facilities as described in the application. Additionally, Title and private funding significantly impact the plan but is not guaranteed and no contingencies were provided. Without these funding sources, the school will not meet TABOR compliance and state statutes regarding budgetary requirements. Facilities Partially Meets Criteria The application lists multiple facility options, but the applicant stated during the interview and follow-up questions that the school's main plan is to acquire modular units. While the plan submitted is possible, the listed cost projections related to site development and facility acquisition are not fully comprehensive considering accompanying expenses such as kitchen space, site grading and site improvements. Rising market prices are also a concerning factor.

Rationale (cont’d.)

Every Student Shapes a Successful Future

Superintendent Recommendation

23

It is highly likely that Aurora Community School will be in a position to

• pen a charter school for the 2019-2020 school year consistent with its

application subject to specific conditions in the proposed resolution.

Every Student Shapes a Successful Future

Aurora Community School Speakers

24

Jessica Martin, Co-Founder Meredith Stolte, Co-Founder

Every Student Shapes a Successful Future

25

Empower Community High School (ECHS) Charter School Application Evaluation & Superintendent Recommendation

Every Student Shapes a Successful Future

Empower Community High School (ECHS)

26

• Anticipated Opening: Fall 2019
• Enrollment Projections:
• Model: Community School
• Grades: 9-12 (starting with 9th grade, followed by one grade

per year until reaching full capacity)

• Desired Region: Central Aurora
• Charter Management Organization (CMO): None

2019-20 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23 2023-24 120 232 336 436 436

Every Student Shapes a Successful Future

Summary of Application Evaluation - ECHS

27

Exceeds Criteria Meets Criteria Partially Meets Criteria Does Not Meet Criteria Not Applicable Number

• f Sections

12 7 1 Total Points 24 7 n/a Section Percentages 0% 68% 32% 0% n/a Total Score: 31/38 Total Points = 82% Overall Rating:

Meets Criteria

Every Student Shapes a Successful Future

Summary of Application Evaluation - ECHS

28

Executive Summary Meets Criteria Vision & Mission Statement Meets Criteria Goals, Objectives, & Pupil Performance Standards Meets Criteria Educational Performance & Standards Meets Criteria Serving Exceptional and Educationally Disadvantaged Students Partially Meets Criteria Student Discipline, Expulsion or Suspension Meets Criteria Plan for Evaluating Pupil Performance Partially Meets Criteria Enrollment Policy and Outreach Meets Criteria Governance Meets Criteria Evidence of Support Partially Meets Criteria Parent & Community Involvement Meets Criteria Budget & Finance Partially Meets Criteria Facilities Partially Meets Criteria Transportation Meets Criteria Food Service Partially Meets Criteria Employees Partially Meets Criteria Insurance Coverage Meets Criteria Dispute Resolution Process Meets Criteria Waivers Meets Criteria School Management Contracts N/A

Every Student Shapes a Successful Future

Essential Component Rationale - ECHS

29

Goals, Objectives, & Pupil Performance Standards Meets Criteria The application initially addressed some of the indicators in this section, but clarity was needed around specific goals related to student language development, READ Act, professional development, teacher retention and curriculum development. The applicant addressed these areas through the applicant interview and follow-up questions and have provided sufficient evidence that adequately meet criteria. Educational Performance & Standards Meets Criteria The application adequately addressed the school's educational philosophy, curriculum, instruction, and professional development

• plans. Clarity was required regarding the school's calendar and

schedule which was provided through the applicant interview. Plan for Evaluating Pupil Performance Partially Meets Criteria The application only partially addresses the indicators in this section. Additional clarity was asked of the applicant during the follow-up, but significant information is still needed with regard to the school’s plan to assess and progress monitor students with disabilities. Governance Meets Criteria The application initially adequately addressed information on the governance philosophy, make-up, and overall roles/responsibilities. Clarity was required regarding accompanying documents, specifically the conflict of interest policy. The applicant adequately addressed these related questions from application review team members through the follow-up questions.

Every Student Shapes a Successful Future

30

Serving Exceptional and Educationally Disadvantaged Students Partially Meets Criteria School provided adequate information around the Claire Davis Act and security-related portions of this section. Additional clarity is required around the school's plan to address the needs of students with disabilities throughout the entire school day according to the IEP, not just during designated blocks as stated in the application. There are concerns that there may be too much dependence on the district decisions regarding service placement for students. There is a gap in the level of understanding of the service needs of students with severe disabilities. Evidence of Support Partially Meets Criteria While the section does provide supporting data and a description of the target population as well as evidence of community support, only a small percentage of listed supporters and letters provided are from Aurora residents and/or Aurora based community organizations.

Rationale (cont’d.)

Every Student Shapes a Successful Future

31

Budget & Finance Partially Meets Criteria The 5-yr budget and accompanying narrative partially addresses the criteria but does not demonstrate adequate funding for programming and facilities as described in the application. While the school plans to partner with a variety of organizations, the provided service agreements with these organizations included associated costs that were not accounted for in the school's budget. Upon initial submission, the school's budget did not comply with TABOR but this was resolved following the applicant interview with a resubmitted budget that did meet expectations with regard to TABOR. While grant funding was included in the budget and award documentation was provided from the applicant following the interview, the amount awarded is significantly less than what was budgeted. The amount budgeted for third-party financial operations and oversight may not adequately support the services the school plans to receive. Minimal contingency was allocated if budgeted expenses are greater than allotted. Facilities Partially Meets Criteria The follow-up responses provided by the applicant demonstrate a well thought out plan that show a deeper level of understanding of facility planning and assessment than what was initially submitted in the

• application. The school does appear to have a plan to find a facility,

but still has not provided any concrete details on options and backup

• ptions. It is a concern that the school will not be able to secure a

facility to open by 2019.

Rationale (cont’d.)

Every Student Shapes a Successful Future

Superintendent Recommendation

32

It is likely that Empower Community High School will be in a position to

• pen a charter school for the 2019-2020 school year consistent with its

application subject to specific conditions in the proposed resolution.

Every Student Shapes a Successful Future

Empower Community High School Speaker

33

Wisdom Amouzou, Executive Director

Every Student Shapes a Successful Future

Thank You!

34