CHARTER SCHOOL MOVEMENT

IN PENNSYLVANIAJennifer P. DonohueEducation DirectorPCPCS

WHAT ARE CHARTER SCHOOLS?

PUBLICNONSECTARIAN

AUTONOMOUS

ACCOUNTABLE

SUBJECTED TO NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND (NCLB) ACT

USE NON-DISCRIMINATORY ENROLLMENT PRACTICES

NO “TEST-IN” REQUIREMENTOR OTHER MEASURE

TEACHERS MUST BE “HIGHLYQUALIFIED” UNDER NCLB

MISSION-DRIVEN

Last night I was a dreamer, today I am an inventor.If I can dream it, I can imagine it.If I can imagine it, I can create it.By caring for each other and working together, we make our world and our community an exceptional place to be!–…Charter School Inventors' Pledge

Mission & Goals The mission of the …Charter School is to provide students with the academic, social, and emotional foundations and skills necessary to become high achieving, socially competent stewards of their communities.  The founders of the …Charter school will ensure a commitment to lifelong learning and achievement of all our students by creating an atmosphere of caring that pervades every aspect of school life, and promotes attachment to and responsibility for all members of our school community.The staff works closely together to create an integrated curriculum, real-world learning experiences, and an inclusive, cooperative learning environment. … is community-centered. We focus on bringing the community into the classroom, and encourage students to use their knowledge for community development. We believe in servicing the entire student, and work towards not only academic achievement, but social and emotional growth as well. We believe that learning does not stop at the end of the school day or during the summer months. Furthermore, … has integrated itself as a neighborhood resource, and provides programs and enrichment for the students, youth, and adults of the community.

The …was established to provide educational alternatives that address the needs of a variety of students who have difficulty functioning in the traditional public school environment.

The intent of the …is to afford students the opportunity to gain positive educational experiences, to earn a high school diploma, develop marketable skills, and to develop the necessary work ethic needed for post high school success.  The school will also address the behavioral and emotional needs for each child.

…Charter School

The …Charter School is a Kindergarten through Fifth Grade, Middle States Accredited school emphasizing math and science integrated with computer technology. Our 215-day school year provides: •Learning support for special needs students. •Dramatic theater. •Dynamic 215-day school year with summer enrichment activities. •YMCA after school program. •Partnerships with public and private schools. Mission StatementThe mission of the ….Charter School is to provide superior education that will develop in our students' academic excellence, leadership skills, and high social values that will enable them to ultimately become positive contributors to the community in which they live, and to society as a whole. The VisionThe vision of the ….School is to create a comprehensive, challenging curriculum for a model school learning environment that will produce exceptionally high achieving, well rounded students. •Math and science emphasis integrated with technology. •Spanish language instruction beginning in Kindergarten. •Enriching Opportunities to learn about other cultures. •Character development program.

The cornerstone for effective learning is literacy. The school’s primary goal is that all students, after two years of regular attendance, will read at or above grade level. …Charter School runs on a year-round schedule, including thematic intercessions (enrichment classes when school is closed). The school believes in family literacy, provides the opportunity to study world languages, and allows students to gain an appreciation for the international language of music.

The MaST Community Charter School creates innovative pathways for students pursuing knowledege focused on Mathematics, Science, and Technology  Our underlying purpose is to create a charter school that... Challenges our students to use their minds well Sets high world-class standards for student achievement Is a place where children and adults want to be Supports teachers in trying new methods and working with colleagues Reflects the goals of multicultural communities Brings teachers, students, families, and community together to better educate everyone Creates a consistent "pathway" for student learning and development Creates a school that focuses on integrative and constructivist curriculum Establishes multiple learning sites for high school students on college campuses

…Charter School’s mission is to guide each student’s self discovery and connect them to their community and world while developing their individual talents using innovative instruction, advanced technology and life experiences. Working cooperatively with parents and community members, we will prepare our students to be respectful, responsible and productive members of society.

PENNSYLVANIA CHARTER SCHOOLS BY THE NUMBERS

135 11

80,000 STUDENTS23,5002ND

PENNSYLVANIA COALITION OFPUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOLS

WHAT DO WE DO?

HOW DO WE HELP?

WHAT IS OUR PURPOSE?

SUPPORTMEMBERSCHOOLS

ADVOCATE

FOSTER COMMUNICATION

ESTABLISH RELATIONSHIPS

WORK TO IMPROVE QUALITYPROMOTE

CHARTERMOVEMENT

FOSTER COMMUNICATIONSharing information

MentoringBest Practices

SUPPORT MEMBER SCHOOLS

Professional developmentWebinars, workshops,Blogs, conferencing,

Observations, planning,Assessment techniques

ADVOCATEReform-minded charter school laws and regulations that promote innovative and successful schools for every child seeking a seat in a charter school

WORK TO IMPROVE QUALITYDEFINE “QUALITY”

• PSSA• PVAAS• STUDENT SURVEYS• FAMILY SURVEYS• ATTENDANCE• RETENTION• GRADUATION• HIGHER EDUCATION• COMMITMENT TO MISSION

PROMOTE CHARTER MOVEMENTINDEPENDENTAUTHORIZERS

ONLINE ACCOUNTABILITYAND STANDARDS ACT

EQUITABLE FUNDINGAND ACCESS TO FUNDING

TEN-YEAR RENEWAL

NO ARTIFICIAL CAPSON ENROLLMENT

ESTABLISH RELATIONSHIPS• EDUCATIONAL AGENCIES• EDUCATIONAL REFORM AGENCIES• PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS• GOVERNMENT AGENCIES

THOSE LOOKING TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF EDUCATIONAL CHOICESFOR FAMILIES.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR PENNSYLVANIA’S

CHARTER SCHOOLS?

ALWAYSKeep the students

In mind…

While continuing theWork outlined by

The PCPCS…

Charter schools serve aBroad range of diverse students…

Charter schools attractA variety of students and

Are located in diverseGeographical areas Across the state…

Charter school programsAre as diverse as theStudents they enroll…

AND STUDENTS ARE WHATCHARTERS ARE ALL ABOUT!