Welcome to The Charter Connection!
Good news! The National Charter School Resource Center (NCSRC) is starting a new email digest focused on national funding opportunities for the charter school sector. Be sure to sign up for this brief, monthly rundown of opportunities with upcoming deadlines.
We debunk four common charter school myths in the Myth Busters! section below. Which do you think is the most common myth? Cast your vote!
By the way, have you seen our redesigned homepage? Come see how good we look!
Do you have questions, recommendations, or feedback? Let us know. We’re here to help.
-The NCSRC Team
New Resources
Recent Publication
NCSRC is excited to add a new resource to the field of charter school authorizing. The Policy Framework for High-Quality Charter Authorizing Practices (Framework) provides a context for States to review their policy environment’s support for high-quality authorizing practices. The Framework is based on a review of high-quality authorizing practices referenced in the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) and literature by the National Association of Charter School Authorizers (NACSA) and the National Alliance of Public Charter Schools (Alliance).
The Policy Framework for High-Quality Charter Authorizing Practices
Look for new reports, toolkits, webinars, and digital resources from NCSRC. Coming soon!
Guide on Logic Models: This toolkit provides current and prospective CSP grantees with an overview of logic model components, how to use them, and sample logic models.
Identifying Indicators of Distress in Charter Schools: New research on charter school authorizers’ experiences with schools in distress and the range of indicators of distress observed in struggling charter schools.
Grantee Profiles: NCSRC collaborated with CSP grantees to profile state entities and charter management organizations to understand and share their project plans, successes, and lessons learned.
A Case Study in Replication
For the more than 4,000 charter schools around the country that operate as independent schools without the support of a larger management organization, opening a second school is one means of serving more students. This case study considers the key decisions and processes that contributed to one school’s successful replication. It includes a written report, resources for more information, and videos featuring school leaders, parents, and the new school’s authorizer.
Preparation for Replication: Case Study of AECI
Archived Webinars
Missed a webinar? You can watch our webinar recordings at your convenience or view a PDF of the presentation slides. CSP Grantees, be sure to look out for invitations to future webinars.
The SMART Approach: Strategies for Making Objectives SMART
School Improvement Webinar for State Entities
Indirect Costs Decoded: A Webinar for CSP Grantees
Developing and Updating Performance Agreements for Credit Enhancement Grantees
Myths, Debunked!
Fact 1: Charter schools are public schools that receive public funds and operate as schools of choice. [Source]
Fact 2: Charter schools that meet the federal definition of a charter school do not have selective application processes. Charter school students receive admission via lottery. [Source]
Fact 3: Charter schools that meet the federal definition of a charter school receive public funds and do not charge tuition to families. [Source]
Fact 4: More than half of charter school students are enrolled in independent charter schools not managed by a CMO. [Source]
Results from The Charter Connection Vol 2.2
Last issue we asked, “How do you most frequently use the NCSRC website?” and the results are in!
50% said Funding Updates
14% said State Resources
14% said New Reports and Toolkits
14% said Case Studies
7% said Charter News and Events
How did we do? Give us feedback.