1. Administering Federal Programs-A Charter School Perspective Dr. Vanessa Nelson-Reed Federal Program Administrator NCDPI

2. Session Information The session will entail information specific to charter schools for administering federal programs such as Title I Part A, Title II Part A, and Small Rural Schools Achievement. Monitoring and compliance information will be provided to participants. Current implementing rules and regulations are discussed with attendees.

3. New or Expanding Charter Schools The Charter School Expansion Act of 1998 – Section 5206 Ensures that Charter Schools that are new or significantly expanding enrollment receive full amount of federal funds within five months of the opening of the school or significant expansion

4. Requirements of Section 5206 The following requirements must be met : Provide in writing 120 day notice of the date the charter school will open. If not, SEA or LEA is not obligated to provide federal funds within 5 month period Establish that the charter is eligible to receive funds and comply with the requirements of the given program (targeted assistance or schoolwide)

5. Requirements con’t Upon request, the charter school must provide the SEA or LEA with data or information that is reasonably needed to estimate the amount of funds the charter will be eligible to receive (enrollment # and poverty count) Once the charter school opens or significantly expands, the school must provide actual enrollment data based on actual numbers

6. SEA or LEA Requirements Once the charter school provides the 120 day notice, timely and meaningful information about each federal program is to be provided. Allocate federal formula funds to the charter based on reasonable estimates

7. Schedule for Funding Opening or Expansion Date Charter On or before November 1 After November 1 but before February 1 After February 1 Obligation to allocate Federal Formula Funds Must allocate full appropriate amount with in 5 months of opening date Must allocate pro rata portion amount of program funds charter is eligible on or before date SEA allocates to LEAs May but is not required to allocate pro rata portion

8. Purpose of Title I, Part A Provide financial assistance...to LEAs serving areas with concentrations of children from low-income families; and to expand and improve their educational programs.

9. Title I Basics Program Options: Targeted Assistance Schoolwide Allocations / $: Based on Poverty Title I Services: Based on Academic Need

10. Overview Schoolwide program: Comprehensive reform strategy Designed to upgrade entire educational program in a Title I school Focuses on moving low-achieving students to proficiency Places emphasis on serving all students, improving all structures

11. Overview Schoolwide program: Comprehensive reform strategy Designed to upgrade entire educational program in a Title I school Focuses on moving low-achieving students to proficiency Places emphasis on serving all students, improving all structures

12. Overview continued Plan for comprehensive long-term improvement Serve all students with highly qualified teachers and paraprofessionals Provide continuous learning for staff, parents, and the community

13. Overview continued Plan for comprehensive long-term improvement Serve all students with highly qualified teachers and paraprofessionals Provide continuous learning for staff, parents, and the community

14. Schoolwide Schoolwide programs are justified in moderate to high poverty schools The most effective way to improve student performance is to improve the entire educational environment

15. Develop an Action Plan Define the priority of goals Identify the action steps Determine timelines, resources and responsibilities Decide how the plan will be evaluated

16. Who needs to be involved in planning? Everyone! The commitment to continuous improvement must be shared by all those who have a stake in the success of the school.

17. 8 Targeted Assistance Components Program resources used for identified students Title I plans incorporated in comprehensive plans Effective instructional methods based on scientifically research-based strategies Coordinate w/regular education program Highly qualified teachers

18. 8 Targeted Assistance Components On –going professional development Parental involvement activities and engagement Coordinate other federal, state, local services and programs

19. Developing a Schoolwide Program Comprehensive needs assesstment Comprehensive Schoolwide Plan Evaluation 10 Components 1. reform strategies 2.instruction by HQ teachers 3. High quality on-going professional development

20. 10 Components 4. Parental involvement 5. Support for students experiencing difficulty 6. Transition plans 7. Coordination of federal, state, local funds for program and services

21. Purpose of Title II, Part A Title II, Part A is intended to increase student academic achievement by improving teacher and principal quality. This includes increasing the number of Highly Qualified teachers in classrooms, improving the skills of principals and assistant principals in schools, and increasing the effectiveness of teachers and principals.

22. Purpose of Title II, Part A Provide resources for professional development to ensure teachers are highly effective and highly qualified. Funds can be used for professional development and providing opportunities for gaining skills.

23. Questions Elaine Ellington, Title II, Part A and Small Rural Small Area (SRSA) grants Elaine.Ellington@dpi.nc.gov Dr. Vanessa Nelson-Reed, Federal Program Administrator Vanessa.nelsonreed@dpi.nc.gov