startinga public charterschool - state of oregon : oregon ......to remember that it is still easier...
TRANSCRIPT
Starting a Public Charter School ð STEPS TO GET YOU STARTED
Understand Charter
School Law
#1
Charter Schools are PUBLIC
schools of choice.
A charter school is a public school operated by
a group of parents, teachers and/or community
members as a semi-autonomous school of
choice within a school district. It is given the
authority to operate under a contract or
"charter" between the charter school governing
board and the local board of education
(sponsor). A public charter school is subject to
certain laws pertaining to school district public
schools, is released from others and must
operate consistent with the charter agreement.
ÿisit the oregon department of
education charter schoolwebpage
Oregon Revised Statute (ORS)
The Charter School Laws
ORS Chapter 33ó:
Public Charter Schools
The Charter School Rules Oregon OAR ðó1 Division 2ñ: Administrative
Public Charter Schools
Rules (OAR)
Public charter schools must
apply to the school district
in which the public charter
school will operate.
Once you know where you want to open your
school, find the local school district policy on
public charter schools. District policies are
typically accessible online with a quick Google
search. Most relevant policies will be in the
"community relations" section. The proposal, or
charter application, must comply with the district
policy and the state laws/rules.
search the oregon school boards
association policies for our district
Where do you want to operate?
#2
Relationship
The Charter School-Sponsorrelationship is a criticalelement to success. From the early stages of development to years into
a charter school's operation, the relationship
between the school and the sponsor can be one of
the defining elements of the school's success.
Whenever possible, it is important to focus on
nurturing a collaborative relationship. Since the
charter school students may matriculate into the
sponsor's schools and the charter's performance
data is included in the sponsor's overall
performance, it is helpful to leverage the charter
school as a value-added to the sponsor's portfolio
of education options.
Write an Application
#3
Cast the vision of your school
so everyone can "see" it...
in writing.
Writing a strong application to start a public
charter school is the most important step in the
development process. You must clearly
articulate the vision in such detail that the
sponsor and application evaluators can
imagine what the school will be like when it
opens. The application needs to address all of
the requirements in the law, the policies, and
offer a compelling description of how this
school will be a good choice for students.
Download the model application at
ODE's Charter Schoolwebsite.
Pro Tips
01
02
03
DO make sure you have addressed everything required in law and policy before you submit.
DON'T cut and paste articles or curriculum. The sponsor needs to be confident YOU can operationalize a comprehensive school.
DO look at other successful applications and visit high quality charter schools to ensure you can describe your program.
This is the easiest part you
will do in the life of the
charter school.
It is very difficult to navigate the application
process with a school district. And, it is important
to remember that it is still easier than the first
day you open the doors to your school and have
children, parents, and staff. Talk to a few charter
schools that opened in the last year or two and
hear their story. Ask for advice and what they
might do differently. Remember, you are always
being evaluated and every meeting is modeling
what the future will be like, for both parties.
Download the most recent list of
public charter schools in oregon.
Submit Your Application
#4
The Process
Alternative proposal process outline
Students at the Center
#5
Don't let the adult issues get
in the way of serving kids.
So much of starting a public charter school and
public school operation is mediated by adult
business that it is easy to lose sight of what
you started out to do. Whatever it takes, find a
routine that keeps you focused on your mission
and keep students at the center. When it
seems too hard or when you find yourself
struggling to make progress, remind yourself
that it's all about the kids and that you should
model the same behavior and determination
you expect of them.
ÿisit the oregon department of
education studentswebpage
"Learning and innovation go hand in hand. The arrogance of
success is to think that what you did yesterday will be sufficient for tomorrow."
WILLIAM POLLARD
CHARTER SCHOOL SPECIALIST OREGON DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
ka t e p a t t i s on
[email protected] 503-580-5749 (v/t)
Questions? Contact: