Charter & Leona 101

NTA August 1, 2012

Objectives

• PWBATD knowledge of charter schools by discussing their preconceptions of charter schools with elbow partner and answering the anticipatory set questions

• PWBATD comprehension of basic charter school information by answering a small questionnaire at the end of my presentation

What is this? And what does it have to do with Charters?

Charter Schools• What are public perceptions

about charters? • Historically what were the

perceptions of charters from the public and the educational status quo?

• What are the facts?• What were the first things

you heard about charters?• Take off the cone of shame

New Amsterdam (later New York)

A Charter is:

Noun• A document, issued by a

sovereign or state, outlining the conditions under which a corporation, colony, city, or other corporate body is organized, and defining its rights and privileges.

• A document defining the formal organization of a corporate body; constitution: the Charter of the United Nations.

• Authorization from a central or parent organization to establish a new branch, chapter, etc.

Adjective• That which can be leased or hired

for exclusive or private use: a charter boat for deep-sea fishing.

• Done or held in accordance with a charter: a charter school.

2 Basic Facts about Charters

• First is that they will operate as autonomous public schools, through waivers from many of the procedural requirements of district public schools. – These waivers do not mean

a school is exempt from the same educational standards set by the State or district.

• The second is that charter schools are accountable for student achievement. – In 2009, 12.5% of the over

5000 charter schools founded in the United States were closed for reasons including academic, financial, and managerial problems.

Each state sets its own laws

For example:• Some state charters are

issued through the public universities (Michigan)

• Some states have created independent boards to which applicants apply for the charter (Arizona)

• Even districts once outraged by charters have begun to open charters as a means of competing (ala Peoria)

If you can’t beat them join…

Each State creates its own Laws

Charters in Arizona

• 1994 was the year the Charter school legislation was passed

• Currently – 455 Charter Schools are

open and serve 94,000 students

• Arizona has 12% of the nation’s charter schools

Arizona Accountability

• In Arizona charters are approved by the Arizona State Board for Charter Schools

• They oversee all charter renewals and reauthorizations; as well as approve new charters.– This is not to be confused with the voluntary

Arizona State Charter association – Schools are still then responsible for their

accreditation; this is not guaranteed

The Leona Group • Serves approximately 20,000 students

nationwide– 7,000 in Arizona

• The Midwest region – 31 Schools – Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana

• Florida – 4 schools

• Arizona – 23 schools ( 16 high schools and 7 elementary

schools)

The Leona Group

• Began in Michigan in the 1990’s

• Cesar Chavez Academy• Operates now in five

states• Opened West Phoenix

High and Sun Valley High School in 1997

Leona’s Philosophies

• Every child can and will learn, regardless of ethnicity, economic or educational disadvantage

• We must demonstrate student academic growth for all of our kids.

• Student learning is more likely to happen for teachers who build constructive, positive relationships with their students.

• Schools should look like the community and serve the community – no cookie cutter programs

Leona Philosophy

Old School New Schools Schools• Again all Leona schools are

different; they share the same DNA, but like siblings each is different.

• This was done on purpose• Principals should be free to

change the school to meet the needs of the students

Leona’s Teachers

• The teacher is the most important ingredient

• A student’s success is tied to the relationship

• Teachers are professionals; they must look the part

• Business professional culture: (wear a tie)

Site and Leona Resources• ELL support: ELL Coordinator on campus and ELL

Department at Leona• Special Education Support: Site Director and Special Ed

Services Department at Leona• Academic Support Services: Site Curriculum Coach and QSI

Department at Leona • Technology: Support@leonagroup.com • Or call 1-888-IT-LEONA (888-485-3662)• Maintenance: School Leader or Asst. Leader and

Maintenance Department at Leona • Grants: School Leader and Coach and Competitive and

Entitlement Grants Department at Leona• HR resources: Office Manager and HR Department at Leona

www.leonagroup.com

Visit the website for more information Or email if you have further questions

Dan.mccloy@leonagroup.com