2. What is a Charter School? oAn independent public school that operates with freedom from many regulations applying to traditional public schools. oCharter schools tend to have more control over: personnel, curriculum, budget, discipline, and length of the school day. oDesigned & operated in an entrepreneurial spirit by a group of founders that can include parents, educators, and business/ community leaders.

3. What is a Charter School? oCharter schools are held to higher standards than most publics, as they must not only meet NYS Board of Regents requirements, but those of its own performance contract (charter). oIf a charter school does not perform academically, its charter can be revoked oCharter schools are free for students to attend, although, in New York State, they receive only about 70% the funds allocated to traditional public schools.

4. Dispelling Charter Myths o“Teachers are paid less at charter schools.” oNO. Longer school days and years mean that CSAT’s teachers are paid more than their public school counterparts. o“Charter teachers don’t have rights.” oNO. By law, charter schools of a particular size must give teachers the choice to unionize or not. CSAT’s teachers have been unionized (NYSUT) since Day One.

5. About CSAT oOur Mission Statement: oCSAT is a professional learning community dedicated to providing educational excellence for all students with an emphasis on developing those skills necessary for success in the “world of work.” oAll students, whether they attend college or not, have to be prepared to succeed in the workplace. oCSAT is free to attend & is not a vocational trade school.

6. About CSAT oLargest of New York State’s 200 charter schools (1,610 students). oThe only state charter school outside of NYC to offer a comprehensive K-12 education. oNamed a “School in Good Standing” by the NYS Ed. Dept. (its highest ranking) 8 years in a row. oOne of 226 “rapidly improving schools” throughout the state.

7. About CSAT oCSAT’s campus consists of three distinct school buildings: oElementary School (K-6): 950 Students. oMiddle School (7-8): 250 Students. oHigh School (9-12): 410 Students. oCSAT is a “school of choice,” meaning parents have chosen to send their child(ren) to the school.

8. About CSAT oThe student body represents 16 different school districts throughout WNY. oNearly 90% from Buffalo Schools o7% from Kenmore-Tonawanda oCSAT’s student body is diverse: o41% White o41% Black o16% Hispanic

9. CSAT is Different! oLonger school day (7.5 hours) & year (191 days). oDress code. oSpanish instruction in all grades. oStrict student behavior standards. oComputers in every classroom. oGrowing music & athletic programs. oCareer preparation begins in kindergarten.

10. CSAT is Different! oESL teachers for students as needed. oSpeech/Language Pathologists. oSpecial Education teachers for every grade level. oOccupational and Physical Therapists. oSchool Counselors at all three buildings. oA caring group of teachers & staff!

11. CSAT Teachers Are Different! Thrown by a future CSAT teacher!

12. Our Teachers’ Qualities oWe look for teachers who are: oSkilled, Talented & Knowledgeable oProfessional oResponsible oEntrepreneurial oResults-Driven oPassionate oAbout teaching & making a difference oTeam Players oDiverse Thinkers oRole Models oLeaders

13. We Want You to Grow oTeachers receive several professional developments (PDs) throughout the year. oPeer collaboration is strongly encouraged. oTeachers have an opportunity to research / utilize the most current and effective pedagogical strategies and techniques.

14. We Want You to Succeed! oTeachers work as teams. oGrade level/subject area teams collaborate to plan & create common assessments. oK-6 teams have two common planning periods each day. oAdministration works closely with teams to ensure both student & professional growth.

15. What Do Staff Members Say? o“I love the opportunity to integrate technology into my classes.” o“I like it here because our teachers are energetic, dedicated, supportive and student oriented.” o“Administration is responsive and receptive to the needs of teachers and students.” o“I feel needed and that my commitment and work is appreciated. And that’s what it’s all about!”

16. So, Are You a Charter School Teacher? For more information: www.csat-k12.org Email: HR@csat-k12.org