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Clearinghouse on Educational Policy and Management
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| College of Education · University of Oregon |
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Trends and Issues: School Choice
Leadership Guides, Handbooks, and DesignsJournal ArticlesEJ648318 UD523770Getting Charter Schools Started: Seven Songs of Woe--and Ways To Overcome Them. Author: Finn, Chester E., Jr.; Manno, Bruno V.; Vanourek, Gregg Availability: Texas Education Review, 2002-A Guadalupe Street #284, Austin, TX 78705; E-mail: TXEducationRvw@aol.com Journal Citation: Texas Education Review, v1 n4 p15-28 Win 2001-2002 Publication Date: 2002 ISSN: 1531-7722 Language: English Document Type: Journal articles (080); Reports--Descriptive (141) Journal Announcement: CIJOCT2002 Abstract: Examines how charter schools can avoid past pitfalls, describing: policy dilemmas (e.g., state charter laws and political opposition); school-level dilemmas (e.g., lack of business acumen and enrollment problems); and the life cycle of charter schools (e.g., staff burnout and worrisome test scores). Notes solutions to startup problems, examining favorable environmental conditions and steps schools must take. (SM) Descriptors: *Charter Schools; Educational Environment; Educational Finance; Educational Policy; Elementary Secondary Education; Leadership; Planning; Politics of Education; Scores; Teaching Conditions Identifiers: State Policy EJ625386 RC514576 The Quest for Accountability: Charter Schools' Holy Grail. Author: Steineger, Melissa Availability: Journal Citation: Northwest Education, v6 n3 p26-31 Spr 2001 Publication Date: 2001 Language: English Document Type: Journal articles (080); Reports--Descriptive (141) Journal Announcement: CIJOCT2001 Abstract: A seminar in Idaho on creating assessment and accountability plans for charter schools presented attributes of assessments that build children's confidence and give insights into how they can improve; offered criteria for using portfolio assessments; and described how to develop objectives that are measurable. A sidebar presents a six-step plan for developing accountability. (TD) Descriptors: Academic Standards; *Accountability; *Alternative Assessment; *Charter Schools; Educational Objectives; Educational Planning; Elementary Secondary Education; Evaluation Methods; *Evaluation Problems; Portfolio Assessment; *School Effectiveness; Self Esteem; *Student Evaluation; Workshops Identifiers: Idaho Descriptive Terms: Theme issue title: "The Wild Blue Yonder: Charter Schools Fly into the Unknown." EJ624179 UD522823 Charter School Leadership. Author: Dressler, Boyd Availability: Journal Citation: Education and Urban Society, v33 n2 p170-85 Feb 2001 Publication Date: 2001 ISSN: 0013-1245 Language: English Document Type: Journal articles (080); Reports--Research (143) Journal Announcement: CIJSEP2001 Abstract: Examines the daily responsibilities and challenges of leadership in charter schools, presenting results from a survey of charter school principals in Colorado. Most respondents had prior experiences as a principal or in a related position in a traditional school. Many also had formal training in educational leadership. Results suggest that most charter school principals in Colorado are veteran educators. (SM) Descriptors: Accountability; *Administrator Qualifications; *Charter Schools; Elementary Secondary Education; *Leadership Responsibility; *Principals Identifiers: Colorado EJ574644 UD521006 Support Your Local Charter School. Author: Finn, Chester E., Jr.; Manno, Bruno V. Availability: Journal Citation: Policy Review, n91 p18-25 Sep-Oct 1998 Publication Date: 1998 ISSN: 0146-5945 Language: English Document Type: Journal articles (080); Reports--Descriptive (141) Journal Announcement: CIJJUN1999 Abstract: Suggests a few ways in which civic entrepreneurs can foster charter schools. Civic entrepreneurs, who need not be extremely wealthy, can help meet four critical needs of charter schools: (1) start-up capital, (2) technical assistance, (3) safeguarding freedom, and (4) fostering accountability. (SLD) Descriptors: Accountability; *Charter Schools; Citizen Participation; *Community Development; *Educational Finance; Elementary Secondary Education; *Entrepreneurship; *Financial Support; *School Choice; School Restructuring; Technical Assistance; Urban Schools; Urban Youth EJ563131 RC512468 Basic Training: A Determined Group of Parents Fight for a Traditional School. Author: Caudell, Lee Sherman Availability: Journal Citation: Northwest Education v2 n3 p24-27 Spr 1997 Publication Date: 1997-00-00 Language: English Document Type: Journal Articles (080); Reports (141) Journal Announcement: CIJOCT1998 Abstract: After Deer Valley School District (Arizona) adopted a whole-language, discovery-based curriculum, parents who believed in a traditional basics curriculum established Valley Academy, a charter K-9 school serving 455 students. After struggling through administrative and financial problems, bad publicity, and interpersonal conflict, the principal offers suggestions to smooth the startup process for new charter schools. (SV) Descriptors: Administrative Problems; *Back to Basics; Bureaucracy; *Charter Schools; Elementary Education; Junior High Schools; *Parent Participation; *School Administration; *Traditional Schools Descriptive Terms: Theme issue: Charter Schools: Education Leaders Voice Their Views. Volumes 1-2 available from EDRS; see ED 417 878. EJ509881 EA530055 How to Plan a Charter School. Author: Sweeney, Mary Ellen Availability: Journal Citation: Educational Leadership v52 n1 p46-47 Sep 1994 Publication Date: 1995-00-00 ISSN: ISSN-0013-1784 Language: English Document Type: Reports (141); Journal Articles (080) Journal Announcement: CIJJAN1996 Abstract: Presents planning lessons from the Community Involved Charter School, a Jefferson County (Colorado) grassroots initiative. Planners should seek community involvement in envisioning the school; define roles for students, parents, teachers, and community members; decide how to administer the school; decide on specifics, such as school size; and seek community partnerships. (MLH) Descriptors: *Charter Schools; *Community Involvement; Elementary Secondary Education; Governance; *Nontraditional Education; Role; *School Administration; *School Based Management; School Size; *State Legislation Identifiers: *Colorado (Jefferson County) DocumentsED455593 EA031153Charter Starters Training Guide. Institutional Author: Northwest Regional Educational Lab., Portland, OR.(RIK65325) Availability: Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory, 101 SW Main Street, Suite 500, Portland, OR 97204-3297. Tel: 800-547-6339 (Toll Free). Sponsoring Agency: Office of Educational Research and Improvement (ED), Washington, DC. (EDD00036) Publication Date: June 2000 Language: English Pages: 175 Document Type: Guides--Non-classroom (055) Journal Announcement: RIEJAN2002 Abstract: This guide is intended to assist the trainer in planning and conducting leadership training for charter-school founders and operators. There are five core content areas for leadership development: Start-Up Logistics, Regulatory Issues, Assessment and Accountability, Governance and Management, and Community Relations. Suggestions and activities for conducting training in these areas are provided here, as well as generic training tips. The guide suggests conducting a needs assessment of the charter founders/operators in the site area as part of the planning process. An appendix consists of a pre-assessment tool: the Charter School Leadership Training Needs Assessment. Once the needs of the local charter audience have been determined, the specifics of the training event can be planned. Each content area is relatively self-contained, and may or may not be combined with other areas, depending on need. Other major considerations include the total number of participants, location, number of sessions and possible concurrent sessions, and addressing the needs of heterogeneous groups versus splitting up participants into natural work groups (Will all participants be preoperational or will there be a mix of preoperational and operational? Will participants come in school teams or as individuals?). (RT) Descriptors: *Administrator Education; *Charter Schools; Elementary Secondary Education; *Training Descriptive Terms: For others in the Charter Starter series, see ED 447 575-579. Contract Number: SB97023101 Geographic Source: U.S.; Oregon ED455562 EA031083 Arizona Charter Schools Handbook. Institutional Author: Arizona State Dept. of Education, Phoenix.(BBB04227) Availability: EDRS Price MF01/PC17 Plus Postage. Governmental Status: State Publication Date: January 2000 Language: English Pages: 414 Document Type: Guides--Non-classroom (055) Journal Announcement: RIEJAN2002 Abstract: This handbook provides information and materials to assist applicants in preparing an application to establish a charter school in Arizona. The topics discussed reflect the technical requirements of Arizona's charter-school legislation. It does not necessarily reflect the selection requirements or the policies of the State Board of Education, the State Board for Charter Schools, or an Arizona public school district. Either board and/or a district may approve an application if the application meets the requirements of the legislation, and may approve the charter if the proposed sponsor determines, within its sole discretion, that the application is sufficiently qualified to operate a charter school. As a sponsoring agent for charter schools, the individual boards and districts are committed to ensuring that all applicants have a fair and equal opportunity to submit a charter proposal that will meet this commitment. The handbook's purpose is to facilitate the application process and provide technical assistance to understand the key elements of legislation establishing charter schools, to provide answers to frequently asked questions about Arizona's charter schools as public schools, to provide information about important contacts, and to help save time in identifying resources from the Arizona Department of Education and other agencies. Sections deal with charter-school contracts, operations, resources to be ordered, and establishment of a small business. The handbook, however, is not intended to be an exhaustive discussion of these requirements. (DFR) Descriptors: *Academic Standards; *Budgeting; Business; *Charter Schools; Educational Change; *Educational Legislation; Elementary Secondary Education; Financial Needs; Food Standards; *Government Publications; Program Budgeting; Public Schools; Vendors Geographic Source: U.S.; Arizona ED447579 EA030733 Charter Starters Leadership Training Workbook 5: Community Relations. Author: Ley, Joyce Institutional Author: Northwest Regional Educational Lab., Portland, OR.(RIK65325) Availability: Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory, 101 SW Main, Suite 500, Portland, OR 97204. Tel: 800-547-6339 (Toll Free). Sponsoring Agency: Office of Educational Research and Improvement (ED), Washington, DC. (EDD00036) Publication Date: July 1999 Language: English Pages: 53 Document Type: Guides--Non-classroom (055) Journal Announcement: RIEMAY2001 Abstract: This workbook is part of a series devoted to all areas of charter-school development. Fifth in the series, this volume focuses on community relations and how school founders can handle public relations, market their school, and deal with controversy. The text is divided into three sections. Section one examines why schools should engage in public relations and outlines the elements of an effective public-relations plan. It discusses how to develop a plan, pertinent laws, external communication, and internal communication, such as discussions with parents, students, and teachers. The second section describes a four-step process for marketing a school and the importance of publicizing a school and focusing on specific populations, such as potential parents and staff. The last section, "Moving Beyond Controversy," discusses the finer points of conflict management and describes the various types of conflict behavioral styles, such as avoiding, competing, and accommodating. It offers hands-on advice for dealing with interpersonal conflict and gives tips for dealing with internal and external politics. Each section features a selection of "tools" that contain activities to help generate ideas, to establish checklists that track what has been accomplished, and other information. (RJM) Descriptors: *Charter Schools; *Community Relations; *Educational Administration; Elementary Secondary Education; Leadership Training; *Marketing; Nontraditional Education; Program Implementation; School Policy; Workbooks Identifiers: Chartering Process Descriptive Terms: For others in the Charter Starters series, see EA 030 729-732. EA 030 730, EA 030 731 and EA 030 732. Contract Number: SB97023101 Geographic Source: U.S.; Oregon ED447578 EA030732 Charter Starters Leadership Training Workbook 4: Governance and Management. Author: Ley, Joyce Institutional Author: Northwest Regional Educational Lab., Portland, OR.(RIK65325) Availability: Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory, 101 SW Main, Suite 500, Portland, OR 97204. Tel: 800-547-6339 (Toll Free). Sponsoring Agency: Office of Educational Research and Improvement (ED), Washington, DC. (EDD00036) Publication Date: July 1999 Language: English Pages: 132 Document Type: Guides--Non-classroom (055) Journal Announcement: RIEMAY2001 Abstract: This workbook is part of a series devoted to all areas of charter-school development. Fourth in the series, this volume focuses on governance and management, with an emphasis on creating an organizational structure, establishing strong leadership, handling personnel issues, creating a board and board bylaws, managing growth, and dealing with liability issues. The text is divided into five sections. Section one examines governance and management issues and demonstrates why governance is important for charter schools. It discusses the board's role, how to develop committees, and how to plan for transition. This is followed by section two, which shows how to write a business plan and how to establish a sound financial system. The next section discusses leadership issues, leadership styles, and the importance of teamwork. Since employees are a key component in charter-school success, personnel issues are discussed in section four. This segment examines employee-selection practices and personnel policies, such as terms of employment, compensation, and benefits. The last section details internal policy development and raises such concerns as student/parent involvement, discipline, fiscal management, and student development. Each section features a selection of "tools" that contain activities to help generate ideas and lists helpful resources and other information. (RJM) Descriptors: *Charter Schools; *Educational Administration; Elementary Secondary Education; *Governance; Leadership Training; Nontraditional Education; *Program Implementation; School Policy; Workbooks Identifiers: Chartering Process Descriptive Terms: For others in the Charter Starters series, see EA 030 729-733. Contract Number: SB97023101 Geographic Source: U.S.; Oregon ED447577 EA030731 Charter Starters Leadership Training Workbook 3: Assessment and Accountability. Author: Ley, Joyce Institutional Author: Northwest Regional Educational Lab., Portland, OR.(RIK65325) Availability: Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory, 101 SW Main, Suite 500, Portland, OR 97204. Tel: 800-547-6339 (Toll Free). Sponsoring Agency: Office of Educational Research and Improvement (ED), Washington, DC. (EDD00036) Publication Date: July 1999 Language: English Pages: 75 Document Type: Guides--Non-classroom (055) Journal Announcement: RIEMAY2001 Abstract: This workbook is part of a series devoted to all areas of charter-school development. The third of five workbooks, it focuses on assessment and accountability and examines such issues as academic accountability, fiscal accountability, public/parental accountability, rule compliance, assessment and evaluation, financial management, developing a business plan, and how to connect vision and mission with assessment and accountability. The text is divided into two sections. Chapter one looks at various aspects of accountability. It defines accountability, offers examples of accountability plans, discusses different types of accountability, and demonstrates how to create a culture of accountability. The next chapter explores program evaluation and student assessment and what is required in these areas of charter development. This section discusses the objective and purpose of evaluation; details different program-evaluation standards, such as utility, feasibility, propriety, and accuracy; and describes types of evaluation. It also outlines the steps for conducting an evaluation, for assessing students, for aligning standards, for selecting assessment tools, and for collecting and reporting performance data. Each chapter features a selection of "tools" that contain activities to help generate ideas, checklists to help keep track of what has been accomplished, helpful resources, and other information. (RJM) Descriptors: *Accountability; *Charter Schools; Educational Assessment; Elementary Secondary Education; Leadership Training; Nontraditional Education; *Program Implementation; School Policy; Workbooks Identifiers: Chartering Process Descriptive Terms: For others in the Charter Starters series, see EA 030 729-733. Contract Number: SB97023101 Geographic Source: U.S.; Oregon ED447576 EA030730 Charter Starters Leadership Training Workbook 2: Regulatory Issues. Author: Ley, Joyce Institutional Author: Northwest Regional Educational Lab., Portland, OR.(RIK65325) Availability: Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory, 101 SW Main, Suite 500, Portland, OR 97204. Tel: 800-547-6339 (Toll Free). Sponsoring Agency: Office of Educational Research and Improvement (ED), Washington, DC. (EDD00036) Publication Date: July 1999 Language: English Pages: 54 Document Type: Guides--Non-classroom (055) Journal Announcement: RIEMAY2001 Abstract: This workbook is part of a series devoted to all areas of charter-school development. The second of the series, this volume focuses on regulatory issues, such as special-education requirements, civil-rights regulations, federal and state laws and regulations, and requirements for parent involvement. The text is divided into four sections. Chapter one discusses civil-rights and the various issues surrounding this area of law. The chapter looks at specific equity challenges, such as selection of students, and general civil rights laws. The latter section examines the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and other legislative initiatives that address civil rights. Chapter two details various requirements in special education, offering suggestions for determining special-education eligibility, for ensuring compliance, and for accessing special-education funds. The next chapter discusses other federal regulations, such as the Equal Access Act and the Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988, and the various requirements of these laws. The last chapter dwells on state regulatory issues, such as legal status and waiver status and what must be done to comply with state laws. Each chapter features a set of "tools" that offer contact information, glossaries of terms, and other material to help found a charter school. (RJM) Descriptors: *Charter Schools; Civil Rights; Educational Policy; Elementary Secondary Education; *Federal Regulation; Leadership Training; Nontraditional Education; *Program Implementation; School Policy; *Workbooks Identifiers: Chartering Process Descriptive Terms: For others in the Charter Starters series, see EA 030 729-733. Contract Number: SB97023101 Geographic Source: U.S.; Oregon ED447575 EA030729 Charter Starters Leadership Training Workbook 1: Start-Up Logistics. Author: Ley, Joyce Institutional Author: Northwest Regional Educational Lab., Portland, OR.(RIK65325) Availability: Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory, 101 SW Main, Suite 500, Portland, OR 97204. Tel: 800-547-6339 (Toll Free). Sponsoring Agency: Office of Educational Research and Improvement (ED), Washington, DC. (EDD00036) Publication Date: July 1999 Language: English Pages: 72 Document Type: Guides--Non-classroom (055) Journal Announcement: RIEMAY2001 Abstract: This workbook is the first in a series devoted to all areas of charter-school development. It addresses the logistics of starting a school, such as drafting a charter, creating a vision and mission, accessing expert information, navigating the application process, acquiring a facility, establishing a legal entity, and contracting for services. The text is divided into six sections. Chapter one focuses on getting started, the stages of charter-school development, and offers three different perspectives of charters. Chapter two explores ways to develop a vision and mission and discusses the tools that will be needed to sustain the vision. The next chapter looks at strategies for establishing the core founding group, required skill areas, skills inventory, characteristics of core founding groups, and how to access experts. Chapter four examines aspects of application and renewal, including state-specific requirements and characteristics of a great application. Facilities and financing are discussed in chapter five along with the development of a needs assessment and how to identify possible sites. The last chapter details some of the many legal issues that confront charter founders and describes the various types of legal status and the need to establish tax-exempt recognition. (RJM) Descriptors: *Charter Schools; Educational Policy; Elementary Secondary Education; Leadership Training; Mission Statements; Nontraditional Education; *Program Implementation; School Policy; *Workbooks Identifiers: Chartering Process Descriptive Terms: For others in the Charter Starters series, see EA 030 730-733. Contract Number: SB97023101 Geographic Source: U.S.; Oregon ED444262 EA030585 Illinois Charter Schools: Seeds for Change. Annual Report on Illinois Charter Schools, 2000. Institutional Author: Illinois State Board of Education, Springfield.(BBB17331) Availability: EDRS Price MF01/PC02 Plus Postage. Governmental Status: State Publication Date: January 2000 Language: English Pages: 43 Document Type: Numerical/Quantitative Data (110); Reports--Descriptive (141) Journal Announcement: RIEFEB2001 Abstract: This document consists of a series of questions generally asked about charter schools. Charter-school personnel provided a major portion of the information. The questions are as follows: "What are charter schools?" "What do Illinois charter schools look like?" "What flexibility do charter schools have?" "How are charter school students achieving?" "How do parents view these schools of choice?" "Have charter schools been successful in Illinois?" "What lessons have been learned about starting a charter school?" "What instructional practices can charter schools share after two years?" "What's been the greatest challenge for charter schools this year?" "Have any charter schools closed?" "Were there any special charter school activities in 1998-99?" "What statutory changes are suggested for charter schools?" "What does the future look like for charter schools in Illinois?" "Does Illinois evaluate charter schools?" Attachments include a list of the 1998-99 charter schools in Illinois and the "Final Report of the 1999 Joint Legislative Committee on Charter Schools Hearings." (DFR) Descriptors: *Charter Schools; *Demography; Educational Change; Elementary Secondary Education; *Ethnic Distribution; Government Publications; Public Schools; *Racial Balance; *Special Classes; *State Boards of Education Identifiers: Illinois State Board of Education Geographic Source: U.S.; Illinois ED443137 EA030247 Charter Schools: Problem-Based Learning Project. Instructor Edition. Author: Hallinger, Philip Institutional Author: ERIC Clearinghouse on Educational Management, Eugene, OR.(SJJ69850); North Central Regional Educational Lab., Oak Brook, IL.(BBB29165) Availability: ERIC Clearinghouse on Educational Management, 5207 University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403-5207. Tel: 800-438-8841 (Toll Free); e-mail: eric@eric.uoregon.edu. Sponsoring Agency: Office of Educational Research and Improvement (ED), Washington, DC. (EDD00036) Publication Date: 1999 ISBN: 0-86552-139-5 Language: English Pages: 87 Document Type: Guides--Classroom--Teacher (052); ERIC product (071) Journal Announcement: RIEJAN2001 Abstract: Problem-based learning (PBL) is an instructional strategy for preparing administrators whose basic unit of instruction is a project. Students are organized into teams and work on these projects to grapple with the problem and to achieve the learning objectives that are embedded in the project. In this PBL project, students design and prepare a proposal for the creation of a charter school. A set of statutes from Minnesota is provided as a sample of a charter-school law for use in the project. Reprints of several articles are provided for students' use in the project. Also included is a paper, "A Profile of the Leadership Needs of Charter School Founders," which reports the first year of a 3-year project to develop a Model Leadership Training Program for Charter School Founders sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education.(DFR) Descriptors: Accountability; *Charter Schools; *Educational Legislation; Elementary Secondary Education; Institutional Autonomy; Leadership Qualities; *Nontraditional Education; Problem Based Learning Target Audience: Practitioners; Teachers Contract Number: OERI-RJ6003601; ED-99-C0-0011 Geographic Source: U.S.; Oregon ED438627 EA030268 Charter Schools & Community Relations: An Annotated Video Transcript. Author: Blaha, Karen Lytle, Ed.; Vincent, Susan, Ed.; Schwendiman, Jed, Ed. Institutional Author: Northwest Regional Educational Lab., Portland, OR.(RIK65325) Availability: Northwest Regional Educational Lab., 101 S.W. Main St., Suite 500, Portland, OR 97204 (annotated videotape transcript and 40-minute videotape, $35; videotape only, $15; transcript only, $20). Tel: 503-275-9519; Fax: 503-275-0458; e-mail: products@nwrel.org; Web site: http://www.nwrel.org/charter/charterpubs.html. Sponsoring Agency: Department of Education, Washington, DC. (EDD00001) Publication Date: September 1999 Language: English Pages: 38 Document Type: Guides--Non-classroom (055); Opinion papers (120) Journal Announcement: RIEAUG2000 Abstract: This annotated video transcript follows the discussion of six experts in community relations and charter schools. The panel was convened as part of an initiative to identify the specific needs of charter-school founders and to develop a leadership-training program designed to address those needs. Each member of the panel shared his or her insights on public relations, community relations, and public affairs. They emphasized the need for continued, planned, and active participation with and within a community to maintain and enhance its environment to the benefit both of the organization and the community. The experts discussed the four steps of plan development--research, planning, implementation, evaluation--and the importance of acknowledging milestones and special events in the life of a charter school. They also underscored the importance of message development and the use of the op-ed section of the newspaper, an important source of information for community leaders. Some of the other topics considered by the panel include the use of public-relations experts and the building of relationships. Ways in which charter-school leaders can circulate their message are through letters to the editor, presentations, targeting audiences (potential students and parents), and a Web site. (Contains 12 references.) (RJM) Descriptors: *Charter Schools; *Community Relations; Educational Administration; *Educational Development; Elementary Secondary Education; Long Range Planning; Program Development Descriptive Terms: The videotape transcribed here is not available from ERIC. Contract Number: SB97023101 Geographic Source: U.S.; Oregon ED436942 EF005627 Out of the Box: Facilities Financing Ideas for Charter Schools. Author: Hassel, Bryan Institutional Author: Charter Friends National Network, St. Paul, MN.(BBB35316) Availability: Charter Friends National Network, 1745 University Ave., #110, St. Paul, MN 55104. Tel: 651-649-5479; Fax: 651-649-5472. For full text: http:www.charterfriends.org ; E-mail: info@charterfriends.org Publication Date: July 1999 Language: English Pages: 41 Document Type: Guides--Non-classroom (055) Journal Announcement: RIEJUN2000 Abstract: This guidebook provides charter schools with ideas when seeking financing, and touches on the issues they often face regarding appropriate site, managing the construction and renovation process, and facility operation that is safe and economical. Ideas presented are based on experiences of real charter schools. The document is organized around four major means by which charter schools can meet the facility's financing challenge. The first section addresses financing preparation and provides tools that can help facilities in crafting business, accountability, and facility-development plans. The second section addresses creative ways to accumulate the amount charter schools need to finance. The third section explains how aggressive shopping, exploring low-cost forms of financing, looking for ways to make their deals less risky, and pursuing other strategies can help these schools reduce the interest rates they pay for financing. The fourth section explains how charter schools can improve public policies regarding these facilities, obtain per-pupil revenue for charter schools, and bring about other helpful changes. Appendices provide sources for additional information. (GR) Descriptors: *Charter Schools; Educational Facilities Improvement; *Educational Finance; *Guidelines; *Money Management; Public Schools; School Community Relationship; School Construction; *School Funds Identifiers: Project Management Descriptive Terms: Assistance provided by Meredith Miller and Joanne Scharer. With financial support from the Kinship Foundation. Target Audience: Administrators; Practitioners Geographic Source: U.S.; Minnesota ED436939 EF005543 Scale & Care: Charter Schools & New Urbanism. Author: Garber, Michael P.; Anderson, R. John; DiGiovanni, Thomas G. Availability: For full text: http://www.cnu.org/chartercontents.html . Publication Date: April 1998 Language: English Pages: 25 Document Type: Reports--Descriptive (141) Journal Announcement: RIEJUN2000 Abstract: The Charter School movement combined with New Urbanist designers have uncovered the importance of scale in creating school environments that are more responsive to the needs of children. This paper examines the possibilities for mutual benefit for school and community by integrating school-building into the new urbanist tool kit. The discussion covers actual implementation: a prototype building, a means for integration into the community structure, and a financial analysis geared toward developers. Also explored are the benefits of small schools, charter school laws, and the synergism realized from the cooperation of charter school operators and new urbanist developers. Concluding sections contain footnotes, an annotated bibliography, and Web site listings for additional information. (GR) Descriptors: *Charter Schools; Educational Environment; *Educational Facilities Design; *Educational Facilities Planning; Elementary Secondary Education; Public Schools; School Community Relationship; Student School Relationship Target Audience: Administrators; Practitioners Geographic Source: U.S.; Michigan ED436837 EA030166 Guidebook to Colorado Charter Schools: Key Issues for Start-Up and Implementation of Charter Schools--Sample Documents Included. Author: DeRaad, Carolyn G., Ed. Institutional Author: Colorado State Dept. of Education, Denver.(DUN16650); Colorado Children's Campaign, Denver.(BBB33936) Availability: EDRS Price MF01/PC18 Plus Postage. Governmental Status: State Sponsoring Agency: Department of Education, Washington, DC. (EDD00001) Publication Date: August 1997 Language: English Pages: 436 Document Type: Guides--Non-classroom (055) Journal Announcement: RIEJUN2000 Abstract: This guidebook is intended for use by charter school planning groups as they prepare their applications to create a charter school in Colorado. It is also intended to guide charter school groups that have already implemented a program. It covers essential components of the charter school application and includes examples from existing charters. The guide provides information about the contractual agreement that must be signed with the local board of education, and it covers the responsibilities of the governing board, including the hiring of a director/principal and the development of policies for the schools. The text outlines all the steps in the development phase, including philosophy and mission statements, goals and objectives, evidence of support, educational programs and standards, plans for evaluating pupil performance, and budgeting. It then outlines the requirements for implementation, which includes governance and policy development, policy implementation, pupil performance assessment, governing board membership, operation, annual evaluation, how to select a director/principal, interviewing director/principal candidates, and student performance evaluations. The guide also provides a case study. Fourteen appendices feature copies of the necessary documents for implementing a charter school, such as employment policies, enrollment forms, bylaws, policy development, and waivers. (Contains 13 references and organizational resources.) (RJM) Descriptors: *Charter Schools; Educational Policy; Elementary Secondary Education; Nontraditional Education; Position Papers; Program Implementation; School Policy Identifiers: *Colorado Geographic Source: U.S.; Colorado ED435130 EA030114 Creating Working Partnerships: How Can School Districts and Charter Schools Work Together Effectively? Knowledgebrief. Author: Izu, JoAnn Institutional Author: WestEd, San Francisco, CA.(BBB33305) Availability: EDRS Price MF01/PC01 Plus Postage. Sponsoring Agency: Office of Educational Research and Improvement (ED), Washington, DC. (EDD00036) Publication Date: August 31, 1999 Language: English Pages: 15 Document Type: Guides--Non-classroom (055) Journal Announcement: RIEAPR2000 Abstract: Drawing on the Los Angeles Unified School District's experiences with charter schools, this brief highlights the difficulties in balancing the twin needs of charter-school autonomy and accountability, and their implications for the way in which charter schools and districts can work together. It identifies key challenges in district-school relationships and outlines some ways in which districts and charters can work with each other more effectively. It is hoped that the examples provided by a large urban district have relevance for other developing charter schools and the districts that sponsor them. The text discusses the parameters of the district/charter-school relationship, detailing the types of charter schools that various states allow. The document describes the challenges in the district-school relationship, such as finding the balance between autonomy and accountability and administering, supporting, and communicating with charter schools. It explains how districts can work better with charter schools and how they can plan for the different needs of conversions and start-ups, and explores charter-school sponsorship as well as the need to set clear expectations for charter approval and renewal. The importance of establishing a liaison between school and district and encouraging and supporting interaction between charter and other schools is likewise presented. (Contains 11 references.) (RJM) Descriptors: *Charter Schools; *Educational Cooperation; *Educational Policy; Elementary Secondary Education; Nontraditional Education; Policy Analysis; School Administration; School Choice; *School Districts Identifiers: Los Angeles Unified School District CA Descriptive Terms: "With the editorial assistance of David Ruenzel." Geographic Source: U.S.; California ED434382 EA030042 Wisconsin Charter Schools, 1998. Bulletin No. 99069. Institutional Author: Wisconsin State Dept. of Public Instruction, Madison.(ZQU97875) Availability: Education Options Team, Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, P.O. Box 7841, Madison, WI 53707-7841. Tel: (800) 243-8782 (Toll-Free). Governmental Status: State Publication Date: 1998 Language: English Pages: 87 Document Type: Reports--Descriptive (141) Journal Announcement: RIEMAR2000 Abstract: This document presents the most current and complete information about charter schools in Wisconsin. It describes the purpose of charter schools in the state and how they are constructed to achieve their goals. It discusses charter-school history, sponsorship, legal status, what charter schools can and cannot do, organization and governance, teaching requirements, funding, and accountability. The publication examines all 34 charter schools in Wisconsin. Each profile features the name and address of the school, the school district, and the district administrator. Tables of enrollment data are featured for 17 of the schools, all of which opened prior to 1998. The tables compare the charter school to its school district and include information on the 1997-98 student population, grades and total enrollment, and gender and race of students. Tables also provide numbers of students who are at-risk, learning disabled, emotionally disturbed, physically handicapped, and receiving free or reduced-price lunch. The overviews examine issues of technology, work experience, personal and social development, employability, basic philosophies, academics, advisory services, core knowledge, and team teaching. Comparative information on charter schools offers insights on curriculum/instruction programs, populations and locations, schedules, and administrative information. Four appendices give further information on charter-school law and other matters. (RJM) Descriptors: Annual Reports; *Charter Schools; *Educational Assessment; Educational Improvement; Elementary Secondary Education; Program Descriptions; State Surveys; Summative Evaluation Identifiers: *Wisconsin Geographic Source: U.S.; Wisconsin ED429346 EA029749 Colorado Charter School Information Packet and Handbook. The Colorado Charter Schools Act of 1993. Sixth Edition. Institutional Author: Colorado State Dept. of Education, Denver.(DUN16650) Availability: EDRS Price MF01/PC04 Plus Postage. Governmental Status: State Publication Date: September 1998 Language: English Pages: 96 Document Type: Guides--Non-classroom (055) Journal Announcement: RIESEP1999 Abstract: This handbook provides information on Colorado's charter-school program. It explains the process for establishing charter schools and discusses the purpose these schools serve. Information on how to apply for a charter is given and includes the required elements of a charter application, such as goals and objectives, educational program and standards, plan for evaluation and performance, proposed budget, waivers, and governance and operation. Other considerations for applicants, such as the length of the charter, the charter-school site, the grounds for denying a charter application, food service, and what is required for special education are also provided. The guide features a summary of Colorado's regulations for schools in the state, along with a list of federal statutes that affect the establishment of charter schools. Information on organizational and resource persons and additional resources and research information are listed. Nine appendices feature further details on the Colorado Charter Schools Act, a list of charter schools in the state, ways to understand school finance, rules for the administration of the waiver statute, state board appeal procedures, order forms, timelines for Colorado Student Assessment Program, allocating state-administered funds to charters, and Colorado's Basic Literacy Act. (RJM) Descriptors: *Charter Schools; Elementary Secondary Education; *Guidelines; Nontraditional Education; Planning; Specifications; State Programs Identifiers: *Colorado Descriptive Terms: For the previous edition, see ED 416 580. Geographic Source: U.S.; Colorado ED428461 EA029728 Accessing Federal Programs: A Guidebook for Charter School Operators and Developers. Author: Klein, Don; Owens-West, Rose; Cohen, Jeff; Ogden, David Institutional Author: WestEd, San Francisco, CA.(BBB33305) Availability: EDPubs, P.O. Box 1398, Jessup, MD 20794-1398; Tel: 877-433-7827 (Toll Free); Web Site: http://www.uscharterschools.org/techassist/menufeder al.htm Governmental Status: Federal Sponsoring Agency: Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (ED), Washington, DC. (EDD00014) Publication Date: March 1999 Language: English Pages: 66 Document Type: Guides--Non-classroom (055) Journal Announcement: RIEAUG1999 Abstract: This guidebook provides basic information to assist charter schools in accessing the federal programs and resources available to them. The programs represented in this guide are those that are commonly considered the most beneficial to charter schools. Most of the programs are administered directly by the U.S. Department of Education (ED). Chapter 1 provides a brief overview of ED, the Public Charter Schools Program, and the processes involved in applying for federal education funds; it contains examples of charter schools that have used federal funding. This chapter also describes sources of information on federal programs and provides overviews of the ED, the Public Charter School Program, the federal-funding process, variations in state laws and legal status of charter schools, responsibilities of utilizing federal funds, federal waivers, and federal legislation. Chapter 2 contains a matrix that introduces the 25 selected federal programs, including those that affect underserved students, school reform, and professional development, followed by indepth profiles and contacts for each of these programs. Chapter 3 describes other ED initiatives related to charter schools, and chapter 4 contains information for federally funded technical-assistance providers and other resources. Information for official state department of education contacts is provided in the appendix. (RJM) Descriptors: *Charter Schools; Elementary Secondary Education; *Federal Aid; Federal Programs; Financial Policy; *Financial Support; Incentive Grants; Program Guides; *School Funds Contract Number: S283A50042-97B Geographic Source: U.S.; California ED427439 EA029693 Founding Charter Schools: A Basic Guide to Working with News Media. Author: Blaha, Karen Lytle Institutional Author: Northwest Regional Educational Lab., Portland, OR.(RIK65325) Availability: EDRS Price MF01/PC01 Plus Postage. Sponsoring Agency: Department of Education, Washington, DC. (EDD00001) Publication Date: July 1998 Language: English Pages: 16 Document Type: Guides--Non-classroom (055) Journal Announcement: RIEJUL1999 Abstract: This guide offers those who wish to establish a charter school some of the fundamentals of accessing, establishing relationships with, and working with the media. The first step is to appoint a key spokesperson or contact authorized to speak to the media and then give that person your school's mission statement. When dealing with the media, it is important to know media traits and communication vehicles. Newspapers, for example, should be given a story at least one week before a release date. The media person should always keep in mind the medium, remembering that newspapers are made up of photographs, graphics, and text in a static format, whereas television is a visual and moving medium. Once that distinction is understood, then how the news is packaged should be carefully considered. Tips on writing a news release for newspapers and radio are offered, and media spokespersons are advised to answer the questions of "Who," "What," "When," "Where," "Why," and "How." Many news outlets also appreciate being sent a media kit that contains a collection of related information and may include background material, a fact sheet, photographs, a reproducible logo, slides, or other materials that print and electronic media use in reporting stories. (RJM) Descriptors: *Charter Schools; Elementary Secondary Education; Mass Media; *News Media; *Public Relations; Public Support Identifiers: *Press Releases Contract Number: SB97023101 Geographic Source: U.S.; Oregon ED426496 EA029601 Designs for School-Site Reform: Charter Schools in New Mexico and Texas. Author: McGree, Kathleen M.; Mutchler, Sue E.; Meister, Gail R. Institutional Author: Southwest Educational Development Lab., Austin, TX.(BBB00950) Availability: EDRS Price MF01/PC05 Plus Postage. Sponsoring Agency: Office of Educational Research and Improvement (ED), Washington, DC. (EDD00036) Publication Date: 1998 Language: English Pages: 111 Document Type: Reports--Evaluative (142) Journal Announcement: RIEJUN1999 Abstract: The Southwest Educational Development Laboratory produced a three-part series on the initiation of charter schools and their impact on education in the southwestern United States. This booklet marks the last of the series. It describes what early charter-school organizers in New Mexico and Texas proposed doing to create better learning environments for students, better working conditions for teachers, and more accountable and successful schools. The report is based on a systematic review of 24 approved charter-school applications in New Mexico and Texas. The review examines the proposed structures and programs in these schools against a framework--taken from James P. Connell's "First Things First"-- for successful school-site reform. The text highlights the extent to which charter-school designs in these states incorporate features that research and practice suggest will lead to meaningful change and improved educational outcomes for students. The analysis is organized to reveal trends and patterns within each state. The approach gives policymakers, educators, and parents a way to identify some of the educationally significant elements of the school environments that characterize early charter-school designs in New Mexico and Texas, highlighting these schools' potential to produce better educational outcomes for students. Four appendices describe legislative and charter-school information. (RJM) Descriptors: Academic Standards; *Charter Schools; Educational Change; Elementary Secondary Education; *Parent Participation; Parent School Relationship; School Restructuring; Theory Practice Relationship Identifiers: *New Mexico; *Texas Descriptive Terms: For other documents in this series, see EA 029 602 and ED 401 619. Contract Number: RJ96006801 Geographic Source: U.S.; Texas ED426148 UD032703 Accountability for Student Performance: An Annotated Resource Guide for Shaping an Accountability Plan for Your Charter School. Institutional Author: Charter Friends National Network, St. Paul, MN.(BBB35316) Availability: Charter Friends National Network, 1355 Pierce Butler Route, Suite 100, St. Paul, MN 55104; Tel: 612-644-5270; Fax: 651-645-0240; e-mail: info@charterfriends.org; Web site: www.charterfriends.org; Publication Date: June 1998 Language: English Pages: 16 Document Type: Guides--Non-classroom (055) Journal Announcement: RIEMAY1999 Abstract: This report suggests that charter schools need to consider six critical questions as they develop a student accountability plan for their school. These questions are: (1) "What is our school's mission?"; (2) "What do we want our students to know and be able to do?"; (3) "How will we know whether our students are achieving or attaining the goals and standards specified in our charter"?; (4) "How will we gather and monitor the necessary student performance information?"; (5) "How will we set and measure progress toward school performance goals?"; and (6) "How will we use the student and school performance information we have gathered?" For each of these questions, resources are listed. These include printed materials, web sites, and organizations with expertise in charter schools. (SLD) Descriptors: *Academic Achievement; *Accountability; *Charter Schools; *Educational Assessment; Educational Objectives; *Educational Planning; Elementary Secondary Education; Resource Materials; *Resources; School Choice; Standards Target Audience: Administrators; Practitioners Geographic Source: U.S.; Minnesota ED426137 UD032689 If the Shoe Fits: A Guide for Charter Schools Thinking about Adopting a Comprehensive School Design. Second Edition. Author: Hassel, Bryan; Hassel, Emily Institutional Author: Charter Friends National Network, St. Paul, MN.(BBB35316) Availability: Charter Friends National Network, 1355 Pierce Butler Route, Suite 100, St. Paul, MN 55104; Tel: 612-644-5270; Fax: 612-645-0240; e-mail: info@charterfriends.org; World Wide Web: www.charterfriends.org Publication Date: July 1998 Language: English Pages: 99 Document Type: Guides--Non-classroom (055); Numerical/Quantitative Data (110) Journal Announcement: RIEMAY1999 Abstract: This guide is intended to help current and prospective charter school leaders decide whether and how to work with pre-existing "whole school designs." Such school designs range from those that cover one core element of school operations to designs covering almost every aspect of school operations. The guide contains initial information for schools to consider about the content of 26 comprehensive school designs (listed in Appendix A). It does not advocate any particular type of design, but rather aims to help charter school founders and operators assess the fit between their school and pre-existing designs. If the school finds that a particular design is a good fit, the guide will also help the charter school negotiate a mutually beneficial relationship between school leaders and the design group. The benefits and challenges of adopting a comprehensive school design are discussed with reference to curriculum and classroom instruction, administration, parent and community relationships, financial viability, and standards and assessment. Ideas are also given for finding the right design and making it work. Four appendixes contain descriptions of comprehensive programs, a description of a funding program, sample worksheets for design comparisons, and a list of six sources of additional information. (SLD) Descriptors: *Charter Schools; Educational Change; Elementary Secondary Education; *Integrated Activities; Partnerships in Education; Program Descriptions; School Choice; *School Restructuring Identifiers: *Reform Efforts Descriptive Terms: For related documents, see UD 032 686 and UD 032 688. Target Audience: Practitioners Geographic Source: U.S.; Minnesota ED426135 UD032687 A Sourcebook for Organizers of Charter School Planning Workshops. Institutional Author: Charter Friends National Network, St. Paul, MN.(BBB35316) Availability: Full 500-page version from the Charter Friends Network: e-mail: info@charterfriends.org ($30); Web site: http://www.charterfriends.org/sourcebook.html Publication Date: January 1998 Language: English Pages: 38 Document Type: Guides--Non-classroom (055) Journal Announcement: RIEMAY1999 Abstract: This sourcebook is a collection of some planning workshop ideas and tools that have been used by organizers of charter school workshops in a number of states. The purpose of the sourcebook is to help organizations assist potential charter school founders in their school planning through the application, chartering, and approval processes. The first section, "Designing and Organizing Effective Workshops," walks the workshop organizers through a step-by-step process for designing workshops to teach charter school founders how to plan the startup of a charter school. Selecting topics, recruiting speakers, choosing materials and presentation strategies, scheduling, and marketing the workshops are discussed. The second section, "Workshop Topics and Materials" contains: (1) a model workshop series; (2) a list of possible speakers; (3) workshop organizer tools and materials; (4) a list workshop topics and materials included in the full 500-page sourcebook; and (5) materials on each topic collected from 6 organizations that have conducted similar workshops in their own states. (SLD) Descriptors: *Charter Schools; Educational Change; *Educational Planning; Elementary Secondary Education; Program Development; Program Implementation; *Reference Materials; Resource Materials; School Choice; *Workshops Identifiers: Reform Efforts; Sourcebooks Target Audience: Practitioners Geographic Source: U.S.; Minnesota ED426134 UD032686 A Guide for Developing a Business Plan for Charter Schools. Institutional Author: Charter Friends National Network, St. Paul, MN.(BBB35316) Availability: Charter Friends National Network, 1355 Pierce Butler Route, Suite 100, St. Paul, MN 55104; Tel: 612-644-5270; Fax: 612-645-0240; e-mail: info@charterfriends.org (free); Web sites: www.charterfriends.org and http://www.csus.edu/ier/charter/bizpl.html Publication Date: February 1998 Language: English Pages: 21 Document Type: Guides--Non-classroom (055); Numerical/Quantitative Data (110) Journal Announcement: RIEMAY1999 Abstract: This guide may be used by charter school operators in developing a business plan that can be used as a management tool in individual schools and in preparing applications for charters, renewals, and grants and loans. A sound business plan must reflect the school's ideas, assets, and needs clearly and succinctly. Drafting a business plan begins with considering: the experience and abilities of organizers; the needs of the school, its students and parents; and the resources available and required. Financial statements required for the business plan include: (1) an annual operating budget; (2) a monthly or quarterly cash flow; (3) projections for 3 to 5 years of income and expenses; and (4) an audited financial statement of the current year. A suggested business plan outline is presented that includes a summary description of the school, a market analysis, the description of a marketing strategy, a management plan, and financial data. A sample plan is presented for a charter school planned for approximately 270 students. (SLD) Descriptors: *Charter Schools; Educational Administration; Educational Change; *Educational Finance; Elementary Secondary Education; Needs Assessment; Program Development; Program Implementation; *School Choice; Urban Schools Identifiers: *Business Plans Descriptive Terms: For related documents, see UD 032 688-689. Target Audience: Practitioners Geographic Source: U.S.; Minnesota ED425260 UD032677 So You Want To Start a Charter School? Strategic Advice for Applicants. Recommendations from an Expert Workshop. Author: Millot, Marc Dean; Lake, Robin J. Institutional Author: Rand Corp., Santa Monica, CA. Inst. for Education and Training.(BBB28936); Washington Univ., Seattle. Inst. for Public Policy and Management.(BBB20858) Availability: Center on Reinventing Public Education, University of Washington, Box 353060, Seattle, WA 98195-3060 ($5, includes printing, postage, and handling). Sponsoring Agency: Boeing Co., Seattle, WA. (BBB10710)@; EXXON Education Foundation, New York, NY. (BBB08595) Publication Date: October 1996 Language: English Pages: 40 Document Type: Guides--Non-classroom (055) Journal Announcement: RIEAPR1999 Abstract: This report is a general guide for people planning a charter school. In September 1995 the Program on Reinventing Public Education, a collaborative effort of the University of Washington's Institute for Public Policy and Management and the RAND Institute for Education and Training, sponsored a workshop on charter school startup. This report results from that workshop. It is most relevant to charter schools in states where the charter school operators control at least some of the economic decisions affecting their school. The first section introduces some issues connected with charter schools. Section 2 provides advice on the expertise charter school founders need to integrate into their application and how to organize their applicant team. Section 3 discusses different approaches to designing the school and negotiating the charter. In section 4, the challenges a new charter holder will face while preparing to open are explored. The report concludes with recommendations for starting a charter school that serve as guiding principles for charter school founders. These recommendations are: (1) start with a strong team that holds a common vision and diverse expertise; (2) use outside experts; (3) be willing to adapt to changing needs; (4) view the charter application as a planning tool rather than a "hurdle" on the way to obtaining a charter; (5) institute well-defined roles and processes; (6) be proactive and anticipate potential problems rather than waiting to solve them as they arise; (7) stay focused on the school's mission; and (8) act like a trustee of the state's responsibility for public education. (SLD) Descriptors: *Charter Schools; Educational Change; Educational Planning; Elementary Secondary Education; Nontraditional Education; Program Development; *Program Implementation; School Choice; Workshops Identifiers: Expertise Descriptive Terms: A Product of UW/RAND Program on Reinventing Public Education. Target Audience: Community; Parents; Practitioners Geographic Source: U.S.; Washington ED424676 EA029454 Charter Schools: Leadership Training Academy Workbook. Institutional Author: Northwest Regional Educational Lab., Portland, OR.(RIK65325) Availability: EDRS Price MF01/PC20 Plus Postage. Sponsoring Agency: Office of Educational Research and Improvement (ED), Washington, DC. (EDD00036) Publication Date: July 1998 Language: English Pages: 477 Document Type: Guides--Non-classroom (055) Journal Announcement: RIEAPR1999 Abstract: As part of the Model Leadership Training Program for charter-school founders and leaders, a workbook representing the training component developed during the first year was prepared. During the first year, 12 teams of charter-school founders and leaders (N=48) participated in the Charter School Leadership Training Academy. The workbook provides the resources, information, and structure for the Academy sessions. It features training materials, training exercises, curriculum, and additional resources in all areas of charter-school development. Although each session does not specifically correspond with a core content area, the training does cover all five core content areas: startup logistics; curriculum standards and assessment development; governance and management; community relations; and regulatory issues. The training material was designed for a 5-day workshop, but each session is self-contained and can be used as individual training sessions. The curriculum for each lesson can be used to develop a conference or training session, and developers can use the text for additional resources and advice. (Contains 67 references and a list of charter-school Web sites.) (RJM) Descriptors: *Charter Schools; Educational Development; Educational Innovation; Elementary Secondary Education; *Instructional Leadership; Leaders Guides; Leadership; *Leadership Training; Professional Development; *School Administration; Workbooks Identifiers: Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory Descriptive Terms: Some pages contain light or blurred type that may not reproduce well. Contract Number: SB97023101 Geographic Source: U.S.; Oregon ED424671 EA029445 A Profile of the Leadership Needs of Charter School Founders. Author: Lane, Brett Institutional Author: Northwest Regional Educational Lab., Portland, OR.(RIK65325) Availability: Northwest Regional Educational Lab., 101 SW Main Street, Suite 500, Portland, OR 97204. Sponsoring Agency: Office of Educational Research and Improvement (ED), Washington, DC. (EDD00036) Publication Date: September 1998 Language: English Pages: 76 Document Type: Reports--Research (143) Journal Announcement: RIEAPR1999 Abstract: This report presents the research and development undertaken in the first year of a 3-year project to develop a Model Leadership Training Program for charter-school founders. The report provides detailed descriptions and analysis of charter schools' leadership needs and what is required to found and sustain a successful charter school. The text describes the study's context and methodology, current research, a pre- inventory, design team recommendations, and academy experience. The report concludes that charter-school leadership needs can be outlined in five core content areas: startup logistics and curriculum and assessment; leadership needs that vary according to school type; leadership needs that change radically during organizational transitions; the ability to develop a shared organizational vision and the training methods and styles used to communicate information to charter-school founders. Six appendices feature a charter-school pre-inventory application, evaluation forms, and other information. (RJM) Descriptors: *Charter Schools; Educational Development; Educational Innovation; Elementary Secondary Education; *Instructional Leadership; Leadership; *Leadership Qualities; Needs Assessment; Professional Development; *School Administration Contract Number: SB97023101 Geographic Source: U.S.; Oregon ED420929 EA029208 The Charter School Review Process: A Guide for Chartering Entities. Author: Hassel, Bryan; Burkhardt, Gina; Hood, Art Institutional Author: Southeastern Regional Vision for Education (SERVE), Tallahassee, FL. Availability: Full text of this publication available from the U.S. Charter Schools Web Site at http: //www.uscharterschools.org/res_dir/res_primary/res_reviewpro cess.thm; phone: 1-877-4ED-PUBS. Governmental Status: Federal Sponsoring Agency: Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (ED), Washington, DC. Publication Date: 1998-06-00 Copy Availibility: EDRS Price MF01/PC04 Plus Postage. Language: English Pages: 79 Document Type: Guides (055) Journal Announcement: RIEDEC1998 Abstract: Prospective founders of charter schools must gain the approval of a public organization empowered by state law to grant charters. Common examples of chartering entities include state and local boards of education, boards of public universities and community colleges, and specially created charter-school boards. This guide is designed to help officials at chartering entities design a process for reviewing charter-school applications, assemble a high-quality review team, establish meaningful review criteria, gather essential information, develop a process for arriving at good judgments, and blend the review process into a supportive charter-school environment. Besides aiding decision making, a well-designed review process is educational, enhances accountability, and builds relationships and legitimacy. The heart of this guide consists of practical, step-by-step information about establishing and implementing a top-notch charter school review process. Chapters cover: assessing the context, structuring the process, establishing criteria, generating good proposals, gathering information, making decisions, and evaluate the process. Each chapter includes Q & A's on pressing concerns, options (procedural advice on critical issues), and inspirational quotations. Appendices show which states have charter laws, list helpful resource persons and materials, and list federal laws applicable to charter schools. (MLH) Descriptors: *Boards of Education; *Charter Schools; *Decision Making; Educational Quality; Elementary Secondary Education; Evaluation Criteria; *Institutional Evaluation; *State Boards of Education Identifiers: *Review Panels Level: 1 Target Audience: Administrators; Policymakers; Practitioners Contract Number: RJ96006701 Geographic Source: U.S.; District of Columbia ED410657 EA028550 Charter Schools: Creating Hope and Opportunity for American Education. The Jossey-Bass Education Series. Author: Nathan, Joe Availability: Jossey-Bass Inc., Publishers, 350 Sansome Street, San Francisco, CA 94104. Publication Date: 1997-01-00 Copy Availibility: Document Not Available from EDRS. ISBN: ISBN-0-7879-0263-2 Language: English Pages: 249 Document Type: Book(s) (010); Viewpoints (120) Journal Announcement: RIEJAN1998 Abstract: Charter schools are public, nonsectarian schools that operate under a written contract from a local school board or other organization. This book describes the history of the charter-school movement and the patterns that current charter-school advocates may find themselves repeating; offers examples of existing charter schools, enabling legislation, and community reaction; and presents guidance for charter-school developers and operators. The introduction describes the key elements of the charter concept and shows how it differs from other forms of nontraditional education. Chapter 1 tours a number of charter schools and shows that despite the enormous differences among them, they all share the requirement for improving student performance and for demonstrating accountability. Chapter 2 examines the history of the charter-school concept and its genesis among teachers and parents. It also reviews the political battle that produced the nation's first charter-school law in Minnesota in 1991. Chapters 3 and 4 examine specific challenges facing charter schools and their potential role as competitors that improve the performance of the entire public school system. Chapters 5, 6, and 7 offer guidance, based on data from a survey of 110 charter schools across the U.S., for people interested in starting charter schools. The eighth chapter describes lessons learned from the charter-school movement to date, and the ninth chapter looks ahead to the future of charter schools. Appendices contain a list of current charter-school legislation and state-specific contracts in the 25 states with charter-school laws; a list of people, organizations, and on-line resources; and a model for charter-school legislation. An index and chapter endnotes are included. (LMI) Descriptors: *Accountability; *Charter Schools; Educational History; Educational Innovation; Elementary Secondary Education; Free Enterprise System; *Governance; Politics of Education; Public Schools; *School Organization; State Legislation Level: 3 Geographic Source: U.S.; California ED408656 EA028376 Survival Guide for Charter Schools, FY 1997-98. Institutional Author: North Carolina State Dept. of Public Instruction, Raleigh. Div. of School Business. Availability: Governmental Status: State Publication Date: 1997-00-00 Copy Availibility: EDRS Price MF01/PC09 Plus Postage. Language: English Pages: 202 Document Type: Guides (055) Journal Announcement: RIENOV1997 Abstract: This booklet contains information designed to familiarize personnel at charter schools in North Carolina with the financial services offered by the Division of School Business and the reporting requirements of the division. The division seeks to ensure fair and equitable distribution of and accountability for the optimal use of state and federal public school funds. The booklet contains a calendar for charter-school startup, a definition of terms, and an overview of the Uniform Education Reporting System (UERS). It also offers information on the division's five sections: the School Finance Section, the Federal Programs Section, the Reporting and Auditing Section, the Salary Administration Section, and the Statistical Research Section. A list of Division of School Business reference manuals and contact information are included. (LMI) Descriptors: *Accountability; Budgeting; *Charter Schools; *Educational Finance; Elementary Secondary Education; Federal Programs; Financial Audits; Institutional Autonomy; Nontraditional Education; Public Schools; *Recordkeeping; Records (Forms); Reports; *State Regulation; Teacher Salaries Identifiers: *North Carolina Level: 1 Geographic Source: U.S.; North Carolina ED402683 EA028150 What It Takes To Start a Pennsylvania Charter School: A Guide for Applicants. Author: Millot, Marc Dean Institutional Author: Rand Corp., Santa Monica, CA. Inst. on Education and Training.; ZBQ93600 _ Washington Univ., Seattle. Availability: Publication Date: 1996-09-00 Copy Availibility: EDRS Price MF01 Plus Postage. PC Not Available from EDRS. Report Number: DRU-1492-IET Language: English Pages: 83 Document Type: Reports (143) Journal Announcement: RIEMAY1997 Abstract: The Pennsylvania Charter School Act (H.B. 1834), now under consideration in the Pennsylvania State legislature, allows charter schools to be approved by local school boards or school district voters. Based on the draft legislation and the experience of states with similar statutes, this paper identifies the extent of charter operators' responsibility for the educational program, economic viability, and government operations of public charter schools, and outlines the full set of assets a charter-school applicant should possess to be a successful school operator. The report concludes that a Pennsylvania charter-school applicant must be able to conceive and manage an educational program; start and run a medium-sized business; operate within a complex governance structure; comply with the laws controlling agencies of state government; and conduct a political campaign. Guiding principles of charter-school planning are also included. The appendix contains a copy of the Charter School Act. Four figures are included. (LMI) Descriptors: *Accountability; *Charter Schools; Compliance (Legal); Educational Planning; Elementary Secondary Education; Governance; *Government School Relationship; Institutional Autonomy; Public Education; School Administration; *State Legislation; *State Regulation Identifiers: *Pennsylvania Descriptive Terms: Prepared for the Heinz Endowments. For a related document, see EA 028 132. Level: 2 Geographic Source: U.S.; California ED398649 EA027824 Arizona Charter Schools: Charter Schools Handbook. Institutional Author: Arizona State Dept. of Education, Phoenix. Availability: Governmental Status: State Publication Date: 1995-09-00 Copy Availibility: EDRS Price MF01/PC16 Plus Postage. Language: English Pages: 378 Document Type: Guides (055); Legal/Legislative/Regulatory Material (090) Journal Announcement: RIEJAN1997 Abstract: As sponsoring agents for Arizona charter schools, individual school boards in Arizona are committed to ensuring that all applicants have a fair and equal opportunity to submit a proper charter proposal. This handbook provides information and materials to help charter-school applicants in Arizona prepare a proposal for establishing a charter school. Following the introduction, section 1 provides answers to commonly asked questions about charter schools. The second section provides a matrix of Arizona's charter schools and a brief description of each. Application procedures and materials are described in the third section. Section 4 describes charter-school contracts. The next two sections explain Arizona charter-school legislation and supplemental legislation and regulation. Guidelines from the Arizona Department of Commerce for establishing a small business are offered in section 7. Sections 8 through 11 describe charter-school operations and administrative hearing procedures, list important contacts, and explain how to order and pay for resources from Arizona agencies. (LMI) Descriptors: *Charter Schools; Compliance (Legal); Contracts; Educational Policy; Elementary Secondary Education; Guidelines; *Nontraditional Education; School Organization; *State Legislation; *State Regulation; State School District Relationship; *State Standards Identifiers: *Arizona Level: 1 Geographic Source: U.S.; Arizona ED385938 EA026967 Charter School Handbook. Institutional Author: Alberta Dept. of Education, Edmonton. Availability: Governmental Status: Foreign Publication Date: 1995-04-00 Copy Availibility: EDRS Price MF01/PC02 Plus Postage. ISBN: ISBN-0-7732-1768-1 Language: English Pages: 48 Document Type: Reports (141); Guides (055) Journal Announcement: RIEJAN1996 Abstract: This handbook has been prepared to assist Albertans in understanding the provincial charter school concept, to assist charter organizers with their planning and preparation for the establishment of charter schools in Alberta, and to assist those responsible for processing charter school applications. Bill 19, The School Amendment Act, which provided for the establishment of charter schools, was proclaimed into law on May 25, 1994. Charter schools are autonomous public schools that provide innovative or enhanced means of delivering education to improve student learning. Following the overview, information is provided on the characteristics of charter schools, things to consider before preparing an application, who is eligible to apply, and the application process. Answers to commonly asked questions about eligibility, governance, accountability, programs, students, teachers, grants, and applications are provided. Samples are also provided of the charter-school application form, declaration, checklist, and acceptance and rejection statements. Elements to be included in the charter agreement are outlined. Appendices contain a copy of the School Act and an explanation of charter-school regulation. (LMI) Descriptors: Accountability; Compliance (Legal); Elementary Secondary Education; Foreign Countries; *Governance; Institutional Autonomy; *Nontraditional Education; *State Action; *State Legislation; State Regulation; State School District Relationship; State Standards Identifiers: *Alberta; *Charter Schools Level: 1 Geographic Source: Canada; Alberta |