September 03, 2009
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Upcoming Events
OAPCS Quality Workshop Series
Using the SUCCESS website to address student needs and improve student outcomes
Friday, September 25, 2009
9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
The Ohio Department of Education’s Success Site (also known as Ohio’s Online Assessment Reporting System or OARS) is a FREE resource that provides teachers with the ability to connect classroom teaching with preparation for the Ohio Achievement Tests. This workshop will help schools analyze Ohio Achievement and Graduation Test data so that instructional interventions can target areas of need at the student, classroom and school levels. The trainers will demonstrate the use of formative assessments and practice tests so schools can gauge ongoing student achievement.
For more information, click here
COBIDA Fall Reading Conference
Imagine Every Child Reading!
Friday, October 16, 2009
8:15 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Columbus Convention Center
Afternoon breakout sessions
Afternoon workshops
Contact Mary Damer or call COBIDA at (614) 538-9878 or (614) 899-5711
Sponsored by The Central Ohio Branch of International Dyslexia Association
For information, click here
World-Class Academic Standards for Ohio
Presented by Ohio Grantmakers Forum and Thomas B. Fordham Institute with support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Co-hosts include
KidsOhio.org, KnowledgeWorks Foundation, Ohio Alliance for Public Charter Schools, and Ohio Business Alliance for Higher Education and the Economy
Learn. Share. Move Forward.
What do efforts to create national academic standards mean for the Buckeye State, its children and its educators? We've convened state and national experts to explore this question. Join us October 5 for World-Class Academic Standards for Ohio.
For more information, click here
2nd OAPCS Annual Conference, Transforming Education
November 16 - 17, 2009
Crowne Plaza Columbus North
Registration information will be available on-line by September 8.
For other conference questions, please email Becky Leija at BLeija@oapcs.org.
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Articles of Interest...
Charter Schools Gain Support From 64% of U.S. Adults in Survey
By Molly Peterson
Aug. 26 (Bloomberg) -- Public support for charter schools, a component of President Barack Obama’s $100 billion education overhaul, rose to almost two-thirds of Americans this year even as most remained confused about what they are.
Sixty-four percent of U.S. adults said they favor charter schools, up from 51 percent a year ago, Gallup Inc. and Phi Delta Kappa International, a public-school advocacy group in Bloomington, Indiana, found in a poll released today. More than half of the survey’s 1,003 respondents didn’t know charters, which operate under contracts with districts and are exempt from many state and local rules, are public schools.
For the full article click here
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Contact Us
Ohio Alliance for Public Charter Schools
33 N. Third Street,
Suite 600
Office: (614) 744-2266
Fax: (614) 744-2255
www.oapcs.org
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End the Charter Wars
To the great relief of many, charter schools re-opened this fall with assurances codified in the biennial budget bill that their “full” funding had been restored. That relief came with tightened accountability standards manifest in what are now, indisputably, the toughest charter school closure laws in the nation.
According to a recent Gallup Inc. - Phi Delta Kappa International poll (Aug. 26, 2009), reported by Bloomberg.com, “Public support for charter schools… rose to almost two-thirds of Americans this year… Sixty-four percent of U.S. adults said they favor charter schools, up from 51 percent a year ago." Many attribute this change in public opinion to President Barak Obama and Secretary of State Arne Duncan’s strong support for high-quality charter schools.
For the past two years, charters in the big-eight urban districts have outpaced the big-eight districts collectively on value-added measures. But this year the big-eight districts outpaced charters on the same measures. For both, the percent of schools that exceeded expected student growth took double digit leaps upward.
The Columbus Dispatch reported that “Charters did better (improved) on this (year’s) school report cards. “About 49 percent of the region's 55 charters that were graded earned a “C” or better. Last year, 29 percent did.”
New closure laws impacting chronically underperforming charter schools have compounded now with previous state provisions and as a result, a total of about 34 charter schools have or will close between 2009-2010. That’s over 10% of the state’s charter schools; and that’s accountability in its purest form.
All the above would suggest that charter schools are on the right trend line both in Ohio and the nation. Should I be surprised then when a reporter from a reputable media outlet calls me to get my opinion on who won the test score battles this year? No I wasn’t surprised- disappointed yes; but “wars” sell.
It’s time to end the charter wars. Both districts and charters in Ohio have some reasons to crow about performance this year and both have left themselves with plenty of room for improvement. The point is that this zero-sum game has turned into a “team sport” where too many education professionals seem more concerned about whose side is winning than whether the students are getting what they need and deserve.
At the end of the day what really matters is whether or not we are providing our future citizens and leaders with the education they need to succeed in a highly competitive global economy. School choice allows parents to decide where the best prospects are for their children. We should support and foster schools of whatever stripe that are meeting that promise to their students.
War mongers usually aren’t thinking about children.
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Former NBA great, Kevin Johnson, will present the opening keynote address on November 16, at the 2009 OAPCS State Conference. Johnson, who now is serving as Mayor of Sacramento, California, has been a long time advocate of public charter schools.
In 2000, after twelve seasons with the Phoenix Suns, Mayor Johnson returned to his hometown of Sacramento to serve as the CEO of a non-profit community development corporation he founded in 1989. His goal was to revitalize inner-city communities through public education, economic development, civic leadership and arts enrichment. He also served on the California Charter School Association Board and was awarded the 411th Point of Light by former President George Bush.
Now serving as the 55th mayor of the City of Sacramento, Johnson’s top priorities remain education, economic development and public safety. Attendees of the conference will enjoy this lively session with Mayor Johnson as they learn about his involvement with charter schools and his vision for school choice and education reform.
Joining the keynote speaker roster is Oklahoma State Representative Jabar Shumate. Representative Shumate believes that the civil rights issue of the 21st century is how we ensure quality education for all kids. Serving both on education policy and budget committees for the Oklahoma state house; Shumate has authored and passed into law some of the most significant educational reforms in Oklahoma State history. Known by many as a champion for education reform, Representative Shumate’s presentation promises to be both entertaining and inspiring.
The conference will also include a plenary session panel discussion on the “State of Ohio Charter Schools” with leaders from the political, academic, philanthropic, and media sectors weighing in their perspectives. You also don’t want to miss our annual charter school award presentations.
Over forty breakout sessions are scheduled with topics designed for all supporters of the charter school movement, including teachers, school leaders, parents, authorizers as well as some of general interest. After the success of last year’s conference, some school leaders are authorizing a Professional Development Day during the conference. Anne Beane, Conference Chair, has issued a Professional Development Day in her school calendar so that the entire staff at Mound Street Academies will be able to attend.
Registration information will be available on-line by September 8. Last year, we reached almost 80% capacity for the hotel facility so be advised to register early. Registration fees, which are the same as last year, include all keynote addresses, general sessions, breakout sessions, breakfast and lunch on both Monday and Tuesday as well as a cocktail reception on Monday evening. Overnight accommodations are not included but are available at the Crowne Plaza North (614-885-1885). Please mention the OAPCS Conference to receive the reduced rate, which is guaranteed until October 25. For other conference questions, please email Becky Leija at BLeija@oapcs.org.
Members of OAPCS receive a reduced rate to attend the conference as well as reduced exhibitor rates. For membership information, please contact Jennifer Brzoski at 744-2266 x205 or email Jennifer at jbrzoski@oapcs.org.
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QUALITY – The Ohio Alliance for Public Charter Schools is dedicated to supporting and enhancing the quality of Ohio’s charter schools. The Alliance recently announced a year-long “Quality Workshop Series,” a series of professional development opportunities for charter school teachers and administrators. For more information about these workshops, which are allowable expenditures under School Improvement, Title 1, IDEA and ARRA funds, check your snail mail for recent notices or our web site at OAPCS Quality Workshop Series.
GOOD NEWS – The Ohio Alliance recently received a generous grant from the Ohio Grantmakers Forum with support from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for two exciting new projects. The Alliance will host a national fall conference in Columbus highlighting best cooperative practices between charter schools and traditional school districts. The Alliance will also hold a spring conference for Ohio schools focused on the function and practice of “Student Information Systems.” Look for more detail soon about these exciting new programs geared to improving the quality of Ohio’s public schools.
CONFUSED… ABOUT THE GOVERNMENT’S STIMULUS PLAN? – Confused about everything to do with the federal ARRA “Stimulus” funds and all its progeny: Race-to-the-Top Funds; School Improvement Grants; Investing in Innovation Grants; Teacher Incentive Funds; Statewide Longitudinal Data Systems? There’s opportunity in this menagerie of programs. The problem is, how do you cut through all the policy mumbo jumbo to find out what’s accessible, how to go about getting it and for public charter schools, how to make sure that we are being given equal access and opportunity?
The Ohio Alliance is up to this challenge on behalf of our members. Much of this money is given to the state for distribution through the Governor’s office, some of it flows through current Title 1 and IDEA (special education) channels, and some of it is to be applied for directly through the United States Department of Education. The Alliance is working to make sure that charters have a seat at the table when it comes to how, for example, the Race-to-the-Top funds will be spent in the state. Making sure funds that are due to you get to you requires pro-active behavior on the part of schools. Stay tuned to the Alliance web site for additional information about federal stimulus funds. In the meantime, you’ll be interested in a Department of Education presentation which was delivered July 27th called: “American Recovery and Reinvestment Act: K-12 Agenda.”
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Entering into its third year, the OAPCS is pleased with its growing enrollment. We know that our charter school members appreciate the role that the OAPCS plays as their advocate at the Statehouse but also our role in addressing schools quality concerns.
Thanks to the support of over 100 schools and associate members – and, of course, the foundations that have generously provided funding – OAPCS has established itself as a leading charter school advocate at the Statehouse.
OAPCS is delighted to announce the addition of Jennifer Brzoski to its staff as our new Senior Manager of Membership and Community Services. Jennifer brings tremendous energy and charter school experience to the position and to the OAPCS team. To learn more about the benefits of membership, or to join, please contact Jennifer at 614-744-2266 ext. 205 or at jbrzoski@oapcs.org.
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Staples and the Ohio Alliance for Public Charter Schools (OAPCS) have developed an innovative program designed to help your school reduce costs, cut paperwork and control spending on the office and school supplies that you use every day. By enrolling with the Staples Advantage program, each school will be able to access programs to help you save money, and work with a dedicated customer care team, a technical support team, and a Staples Account Manager.
If you are a new school in 2009-2010, you can take advantage of an additional 10% for the first 90 days. This new program is currently only available to OAPCS member schools. For information on how to join OAPCS, please contact Jennifer Brzoski at jbrzoski@oapcs.org or at 614-744-2266 ext. 205.
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This was a very competitive year with a total of 33 applicants for planning/implementation grants and six applicants for dissemination awards. The following seven community schools were competitively awarded $50,000 planning grants that will lead to two years of implementation grants after successful completion of required trainings and submission of quarterly reports and other documents. Ten schools were awarded two-year implementation awards for schools that will open this fall.
Four schools received dissemination awards based upon their description of aspects of their successful school model that they will develop during the next two years and mentor to other schools. OAPCS will be providing more information about the dissemination awards later in the year, along with the opportunity for schools to participate in professional development and mentoring activities associated with the projects.
FY10 PCSP Planning Awards
1 Pleasant Education Academy, Marion
2 WinWin Academy, Franklin
3 Columbus Bilingual Academy-North, Montgomery
4 Van Wert City Community School, Van Wert
5 Falcon Academy of Creative Arts, Portage
6 Science, Technology and Arts Preparatory Academy, Franklin
7 L.E.A.D. Academy, Trumbull
FY10 PCSP Implementation Awards
1 KIPP: Journey Academy, Franklin
2 Performance Academy Eastland, Franklin
3 L. Hollingworth School for Talented and Gifted, Lucas
4 Village Preparatory School, Cuyahoga
5 Greater Summit County Early Learning Center, Summit
6 Bella Academy of Excellence, Cuyahoga
7 Providence Academy for Student Success, Franklin
8 Rushmore Academy, Marion
9 Upper Scioto Wind/Energy Academy, Hardin
10 North Central Academy, Seneca
FY10 Dissemination Awards
1 Wickliffe Progressive Community School, Franklin
2 Citizens Academy, Cuyahoga
3 Horizon Science Academy Cleveland, Cuyahoga
4 Toledo School For The Arts, Lucas
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The State Support Team, Region 11, at the Educational Services Center of Central Ohio, is proving the following professional development opportunities. Registration is through STARS.
September 10, 2009 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
Introducing Ohio’s New Forms: A training on the Evaluation Team Report and the Individualized Education Program
Presenters will provide a page by page review of the ETR and IEP forms, to highlight the recent additions and changes made by ODE. ODE’s new technical assistance document, When to Provide Prior Written Notice, Informed Consent, and the Procedural Safeguards Notice from Whose IDEA Is This? will be introduced as well.
September 15, 2009 8:30 am – 3:30 pm
Drop-out Prevention
Presenters from the National Dropout Prevention Center (NDPC/N) and Center for Students with Disabilities (NDPC-SD), Drs. Jay Smink and Loujeania Williams Bost, will address (1) effective strategies to increase graduation rates, (2) research based practices for dropout prevention, (3) early warning systems, (4) dropout prevention for student with disabilities.
October 27, 2009
Transition to College: Preparing Students with Disabilities
This session will provide high school and middle school personnel and parents with information regarding requirements and considerations in college planning for students with disabilities. Panelists include Margo Izzo (OSU), Wayne Cocchi (Columbus State CC), Tim Conrad (former Ohio Guidance Counselor), Lydia Block (Ohio Wesleyan University), and Lois Burke (OSU). Learning targets include: (1) planning for successful transition to college (including course of study, accommodations for college entrance exams, instruction and technology); (2) self-advocacy and self-determination skills; (3) legal rights from IDEA to ADA; (4) required admissions documentation; and (5) accessing disability services.
February 25, 2010 8:30 am – 3:30 pm
Demystifying Secondary Inclusion
Dr. Lisa Dieker, University of Central Florida, will provide middle school and high school personnel with information that will (1) enable more students with disabilities access to general education settings and curriculum; (2) establish inclusive classroom climates; and (3) prepare them to work collaboratively. She is the author of Demystifying Secondary Inclusion and Making Inclusion Work at the Secondary Level.
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We want to thank New Choices Community School, our newest school member, for supporting our organization this upcoming year. New Choices is located in Dayton, Ohio educating grades 9th-12th. Their mission is to “develop excellence in academic achievement and character development for students.” Just this past school year, New Choices had 34 students graduate compared to 9 the 2007-2008 school year.
Many new and exciting programs are being started at New Choices Community School thanks to their Director, Mr. Jim Dock. Mr. Dock, who is an alumni from Wright State University and has 20 years experience teaching Psychology, joined their school last school year and is helping start a Student Council, implemented a Student Lounge, and continue their Spirit Days.
Parents of student attending New Choices Community School will also have a lot to look forward to in the next few weeks. New Choices is looking to open their computer labs to all parents to use in the evenings. Each parent will not only have computer access, but will have an opportunity to talk to and work with a Technology expert. New Choices is hoping that they can grow this into a GED program and then expand it into the gym with access to a fitness and nutrition expert.
We wish New Choices much luck with all that they are doing to help their community and students and look forward to watching them grow.
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EPIC – The Effective Practice Incentive Community – from New Leaders for New Schools is inviting Ohio’s charter schools to participate in its third year of recognizing and rewarding high performing charter schools and teachers. A grant from the federal Teacher Incentive Fund (TIF) enables EPIC to make monetary rewards directly to individual educators and leadership of recognized schools. Schools must serve at least 30% free & reduced lunch, and be able to submit three years of test score and demographic data for a minimum of fifteen students. Award recipients agree to sharing best practices for the consortium databank, and some will be visited by EPIC staff. All participating schools across the nation can utilize the EPIC Knowledge System for quality professional development activities. EPIC Incentives awards range from $1,500 to Instructional Aides/Teaching Assistants, $3-4,000 for teachers, $5-8,000 for Assistant Principals, and $8-10,000 for Principals, plus an additional $4,000 each for teachers designated as “Spotlight Teachers.” $800 to $1200 in data stipends are available to schools that submit complete data by September 30, 2009 (final deadline for submitting data is Friday, October 30, 2009).
Dial in (800) 704-9804, Conference Code 373-69-242, for a “What is EPIC?” Orientation Call, on Monday September 14th at 7 pm EST. A Data Collection call – for questions on submitting data – takes place Wednesday, September 16th, at 10 am.
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