Writers Webinar #2 NEED, MISSION, and VISION Mary Carmichael, Executive Director

Steps in Developing a Charter School Identify a need and research solutionsNetwork and bring together community membersBegin Writing CharterOutreach and Support for SchoolIncorporate and Hold Organizational MeetingSubmit Charter Application to the StateCharter Advisory Committee (60 Days)Sponsor Holds Public Hearing (30 Days)Year of Planning (Facilitates, Faculty, Find Students)

What are the needs in your community?

Needs  First step – What are the student academic needs in your community you hope to serve?  Why does your community need this school?  What are the other needs in your community?  Research school report cards, economic indicators, census, Kids Count data, etc... What are not needs? – Need of a job, grudge…

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Vision  What does the first day of school look like?  Articulate that – and help others in your group with talking points.  You still need to educate many about what a charter school is.

Mission Statement 1 of review guide Charter School Mission Statement Describe why the school proposes to exist as a charter school and explain the need for the school in the district. Also, provide a mission statement—a clear and concise statement (in one or two sentences) that defines the purposes and nature of the school. The mission statement should indicate how the school seeks to make a difference in public education and must support the intent of the South Carolina Charter Schools Act.

PURPOSE OF THE SC CHARTER SCHOOL ACT: SECTION 59 ‑ 40 ‑ 20. Purpose. This chapter is enacted to: (1) improve student learning; (2) increase learning opportunities for students; (3) encourage the use of a variety of productive teaching methods; (4) establish new forms of accountability for schools; (5) create new professional opportunities for teachers, including the opportunity to be responsible for the learning program at the school site; and (6) assist South Carolina in reaching academic excellence.

Examples of Mission Statements Write a mission statement that is clear and easy on the tongue.  Pattison's Academy for Comprehensive Education will improve the quality of life for children with multiple disabilities by providing a comprehensive educational program that integrates educational curriculums with functional rehabilitation instruction to maximize the potential and well-being of the child, and to ensure family inclusion.  The Mission of the Charleston Charter School for Math and Science is to educate students for success in college and careers by providing an innovative learning environment that is academically excellent, developmentally responsive, and socially equitable.

Possible components  Values  Student population  Curriculum  Instructional strategies  Culture  Big picture long term overarching goal!

Name - Naming the baby – if it is not too late. Time to incorporate -  Is a rose by any other name still a rose?  You have to live with it and so do others!  Schools already in SC  Look at the acronym and  Web addresses – what is available

Evidence of Support page 6 of review guide  Document all outreach, community support, and actual student interest in enrolling. Document all support you have for this school. Letters of support from the mayor and other community leaders are great, but they really want to see you will hit at least 75% of your enrollment since your budget is based on these numbers. So, if you are planning on having 200 kids that first year, make sure you have 150 signed forms from families stating that they are interested in their children attending your school as presented. Having over 100% would be great.  Signed letters of interest with the grades of kids the year the school will open  Meetings with dates, sign in sheet, and number interested in the school at the end of the session  Internet survey options  Yahoo or Gmail Group  Document and Submit EVERYTHING!  Must be done prior to May 1st.

Next steps -Formulate a Road Map – stick to deadlines to get a 200 to 400 page document turned in by May Make a comprehensive list with who and when Who is going to help get this done?

Questions You Have Remember, Charter Schools: are public schools. are free. do not have admissions tests or other barriers to entrance. are financially accountable non-profit corporations. have autonomy from their school district. & bring innovation and resources into the classroom where they belong.