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Opening a Charter School
Chad Sansing
Charter school humanities teacher for non-traditional middle grade learners
Posted on 10/15/2009
How can the group help you anticipate and plan for your first years in a newly opened charter school? How can ther group help you respond to the unanticipated issues that come along with the messy, necessary work of dveloping new systems and a new school culture? This discussion is for group members to ask and answer questions about opening a Charter School.
Comments (26)
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Chad: Terrific links and
Chad:
Terrific links and trying to scan through some now. The recent decision not to send Race to the Top money to either New York or Vermont will have an effect on all public schools, especially perhaps recent charters so these grant opportunities may be more crucial than ever.
Brett
Plenty to research...
Thank you both so much! The process seems so intimidating. I have a lot to research this weekend!
I will check out these links.
I will check out these links. I am going to pursue this during the Summer (when school is out). I want work on my vision and figure out how to go about getting Tribal support, as well as do a survey/needs assesment in the area where I am interested in opening a charter. Thank you for the information. I will prep my survey, flyers etc.. to draw in the community.
Voice from the Field
As someone who is just finishing the first year in a brand new charter school, I have three pieces of advice. One is to have a VERY clear vision of what pedagogical model you plan to use. The more clear this is, the easier it will be to explain to prospective students and parents. The second is to hire teachers who are experienced in that model. Finally, have a clear exit plan for the board. We've found that boards can hang on to school control far longer than is healthy for the school, and have trouble transitioning to a support/fundraising role.
Listen to the field
Lori, you're advice is spot on - thanks so much for sharing it here. Clarity of purpose and unity of vision between staff members, between the school and its board, and between the school and its community are vital to the success and sustainability of new charters.
All the best,
C
Charter Schools in Texas
After researching charter schools in Texas, it seems that the best option for us is going to be to open a "campus program charter" versus an "open-enrollment" charter. Does anyone have any experience opening a campus charter? It seems I am going to have to sell the idea to our current Board of Trustees and I am not sure what the climate is for charter school in our district. SO political!
Campus charter
Is that like a school-within-a-school?
I'll tweet out your question, as well -
Best,
C
Starting a charter school...
That is a very good point. I am interested in starting up a charter school as well. Where can I send my information? I will love to learn and know about how to start a charter school. please send information to covertocover2@yahoo.com...
Starting a charter school...
That is a very good point. I am interested in starting up a charter school as well. Where can I send my information? I will love to learn and know about how to start a charter school. please send information to covertocover2@yahoo.com...