DESCRIPTIONS OF CHARTER SCHOOLS ASSIGNED NUMBERS BY THE CALIFORNIA STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION Covers State Board Action through 9/10/93 Charter Proposal 1 Name of Charter School: San Carlos Community School District: San Carlos School District San Carlos, CA County: San Mateo The San Carlos School District is a small K-8 district located in a suburb of San Francisco in San Mateo County. The San Carlos Community Charter School petition proposes to initially serve intermediate age learners (ages 9-12). It seeks to accomplish its goals by creating a school where; "schooling is viewed as one aspect of education, the entire community serves as the campus, and the school acts as a headquarters." Aspects of the educational program they envision include making connections with the real world, being involved with group and individual work, and providing all learners with advanced learning opportunities. Outcomes will be measured by the new California Learning Assessment System, with a stated goal of the school to achieve in the top quartile, by relative rank. Other locally developed assessments, will also be used including student products, performances, and Rites of Passage Experiences. Parental participation will be required. The school is scheduled to begin in the fall of 1994. Contact Person: Don Shalvey Phone: (415) 593-7626 Date Number Assigned: 2/11/93 Charter Proposal 2 Name of Charter School: (name of school to be determined) District: Cotati-Rohnert Park Unified School District Cotati, CA County: Sonoma This charter petition proposes to establish a new school in the district that would serve between 250 and 350 students in grades 6-12, to be phased in over a 5-year period. The school's program will focus on developing skills and proficiencies in general education, computer literacy, physical education, community service, global awareness, environmental awareness, citizenship, daily survival, and the workplace. Instruction will be characterized by a thematic, project oriented approach which will make use of cross grade-level and cross generational tutoring, apprenticeship programs and programs coordinated with the local institutions of higher education and businesses. Student achievement will be measured by portfolios, California Learning Assessment System tests, and other teacher developed tests. The school program will be four days a week with the fifth day used for tutorials, parent conferences and workshops, teacher planning, and so forth. Parental participation in meetings, conferences, and the operations of the school will be required as well as a parental contract. This school does not propose to become operational until after the local governing board approves a detailed charter petition which is required by the terms of the current charter. It is anticipated that the school will be operational sometime after April 1994. Contact Person: Marsha Napier Phone: (707) 792-4800 Date Number Assigned: 2/11/93 Charter Proposal 3 Name of Charter School: Glen Edwards Elementary School District: Western Placer Unified School District Lincoln, CA County: Placer This charter petition proposes to convert the existing Glen Edwards Elementary School to a charter school. It would become operational as a charter school on July 1, 1993. The school currently serves a population of about 700 students in grades K-6. The stated outcome of the school will be that all students function at or above grade level in the areas of reading, language, math, science and social science. The curriculum of the school will be the adopted district-wide curriculum of the district, with the flexibility to adopt supplemental materials with local board approval. The current district standardized testing program will be used to measure student progress toward meeting outcomes. The school will be governed by a principal with an advisory board to the principal consisting of three directors chosen from among the certificated employees of the school. The School Site Council will continue to be the primary vehicle for parental input into the operation of the school. This is a self described "placeholder" that meets all of the requirements by describing essentially the existing program and operations. Built into the charter however, are provisions that state: (1) the charter may be amended by mutual agreement of the Board of Trustees and two-thirds ratification of the charter school certificated staff; (2) the certificated staff of the charter school may revoke the charter at any time by a two-thirds vote and; (3) the charter will be subject to annual evaluations by the local governing board. The developers of the charter anticipate that this structure will permit the charter school to develop new structures and modes of operation over the life of the charter. Contact Person: Larry Acheatel Phone: (916) 645-3355 Date Number Assigned: 2/11/93 Charter Proposal 4 Name of Charter School: Lincoln High School District: Western Placer Unified School District Lincoln, CA County: Placer This charter petition proposes to convert the existing Lincoln High School to a charter school. It would become operational as a charter school on July 1, 1993. The school currently serves a population of about 700 students in grades 9-12. The stated outcome of the school will be that all students function at or above grade level in the areas of reading, language, math, science and social science. The curriculum of the school will be the adopted district-wide curriculum of the district, with the flexibility to adopt supplemental materials with local board approval. The current district standardized testing program will be used to measure student progress toward meeting outcomes. The school will continue to be governed by a principal and vice-principal. The Lincoln High School Site Council will continue to be the primary vehicle for parental input into the operation of the school. This is a self-described "placeholder" that meets all of the requirements by describing essentially the existing program and operations. Built into the charter however, are provisions that state: (1) the charter may be amended by mutual agreement of the Board of Trustees and two-thirds ratification of the charter school staff, and; (2) the charter will be subject to annual evaluations by the local governing board. The developers of the charter anticipate that this structure will permit the charter school to develop new structures and modes of operation over the life of the charter. Contact Person: Larry Acheatel Phone: (916) 645-3355 Date Number Assigned: 2/11/93 Charter Proposal 5 Name of Charter School: El Dorado Charter Community School District: El Dorado County Superintendent of Schools Placerville, CA County: El Dorado This charter petition proposes to convert the existing county community school to a charter school beginning September 1993. It is the intent of the charter school to provide a rigorous educational program using the state curriculum frameworks as a foundation and to build upon the frameworks by developing courses of study using a county-wide collaborative called Seeking Excellence in Education K-12 (SEEK-12). Each student will have a Differentiated Educational Plan which will contain specific goals in social, emotional, and academic areas. The Plans will be developed jointly by the student, parents, and staff of the charter school. Instruction will be project-oriented and technology-based. Methods of assessing student progress will include rate of completion of the Differentiated Educational Plan, portfolios (for teachers as well as students), and the California Learning Assessment System. The charter school will continue to serve those students who are not successful in a traditional school environment. Students must meet the criteria currently specified in statute for eligibility to attend a community school, or be enrolled in the county Home Study Program in order to attend the charter school. Interdistrict transfers will be accepted if space is available. Contact Person: Sue Ficher Phone: (916) 622-7130 Date Number Assigned: 2/11/93 Charter Proposal 6 Name of Charter School: Schnell Elementary School District: Placerville Union School District Placerville, CA County: El Dorado This charter petition proposes to convert the existing Schnell Elementary School to a charter school beginning in September 1994. The school currently serves about 500 students in grades K-2 and will be expanding to a K-5 school in the fall of 1993. It is located in the foothills of the Sierras and serves one of the highest concentrations of AFDC students in El Dorado County (32%). The charter school's educational program will focus on Integrated Thematic Instruction, which will be provided in a non-threatening and curiosity-stimulating environment. The school's objectives are that all students be able to demonstrate the ability to gather, analyze and use information, communicate precisely, solve problems, work cooperatively, think creatively, initiate action, and participate in a global society. Assessment of student success will be conducted through portfolios, projects, daily work, teacher developed tests, CTBS, and the California Learning Assessment System. More authentic assessment will be developed in the future. Student contracts, that may include a community service component, and parental participation, will be required. Schnell Elementary School was a recipient of an SB 1274 Planning Grant, and applied, but did not receive funding for an SB 1274 Demonstration Grant. Much of the focus for the charter school has been developed through the SB 1274 process. Contact Person: Cynthia Sickman Simms Phone: (916) 622-7216 Date Number Assigned: 2/11/93 Charter Proposal 7 Name of Charter School: Bennett Valley Charter School District: Bennett Valley Union School District Sonoma, CA County: Sonoma The Bennett Valley Union School District is a small K-6 district serving 990 students in the Santa Rosa area of Sonoma County. The Bennett Valley petition proposes an educational program that places the parent in the role of teacher, in a home-study environment. "Students ....will be educated through home-based independent learning programs, cooperative schools and supplemental learning projects." The school will assist students and parents by providing resource teachers, other educational resources, and limited reimbursement for costs incurred by parents in educational projects and activities. One objective of the Bennett Valley charter school is to have students "...perform and achieve as well as or better than students in traditional public schools." Annual educational goals and objectives will be created for each student. Student progress will be monitored monthly by the resource teacher. At the end of each semester, goals and objectives will be reviewed, and the progress of the student assessed by the parent, student and the resource teacher. Contact Person: Lyle Graf Phone: (707) 542-2201 Date Number Assigned: 2/11/93 Charter Proposal 8 Name of Charter School: Yucca Mesa Charter School District: Morongo Unified School District Twentynine Palms, CA County: San Bernardino This charter petition proposes to convert the existing Yucca Mesa Elementary School to a charter school beginning July 1, 1993. The existing school serves a student population of about 600 in grades K-6. The petition proposes to base the educational program of the school on the state curriculum frameworks with an emphasis on developing process skills, higher level thinking skills, and utilization of multiple learning strategies. Student outcomes in reading, writing and math will be measured at each grade level to determine a student's readiness to progress to the next grade. Student progress in meeting outcomes will be based on portfolios, California Learning Assessment System tests, benchmark products and other measures. The school will continue to be governed by a School-Based Management Council consisting of teachers, parents, classified employees and administrators that will be responsible for making the educational decisions at the school site. The principal will continue to make day to day operational decisions. A variety of means will be employed to ensure parental involvement in the school: training sessions; adult education classes; and parent/student interviews and contracts as part of the admission requirements. Contact Person: Eva Kinsman Phone: (619) 228-1777 Date Number Assigned: 2/11/93 Charter Proposal 9 Name of Charter School: (no specific name at this time) District: Sonoma Valley Unified School District Sonoma, CA County: Sonoma The Sonoma Valley Unified School District is the 3rd largest district in Sonoma County, and has a an enrollment of 4,808 (1991-92). It serves the city of Sonoma and surrounding communities. The Sonoma Valley petition proposes an educational program that will serve students enrolled in grades K-8, with a curriculum that is student centered, and will address student's individual interests, developmental levels, and learning styles. Student progress will be measured by the new California Learning Assessment System, as well as local authentic performance-based assessments. The school will be governed by a Board composed of parents, teachers, community members and students. The structure established by the charter is provisional, since the petition envisions the next year to be a developmental year. Therefore, prior to the charter school becoming operational next year a revised charter will be presented to the district board for approval. Contact Person: Rita Roberts Phone: (707) 935-6066 Date Number Assigned: 2/11/93 Charter Proposal 10 Name of Charter School: Carlin C. Coppin Elementary Charter School District: Western Placer Unified School District Lincoln, CA County: Placer This charter petition proposes to convert the existing Carlin Coppin Elementary School to a charter school. It would become operational as a charter school on July 1, 1993. The school currently serves a population of about 580 students in grades K-6. The stated outcome of the school will be that all students function at or above grade level in the areas of reading, language, math, science and social science. The curriculum of the school will be the adopted district-wide curriculum of the district, with the flexibility to adopt supplemental materials with local board approval. The current district standardized testing program will be used to measure student progress toward meeting outcomes. The school will continue to be governed by the existing structure. The Carlin Coppin Elementary School Site Council will continue to be the primary vehicle for parental input into the operation of the school. This is a self-described "placeholder" that meets all of the requirements by describing essentially the existing program and operations. Built into the charter however, are provisions that state: (1) the charter may be amended by mutual agreement of the Board of Trustees and two-thirds ratification of the charter school certificated staff; (2) the certificated staff of the charter school may revoke the charter at any time by a two-thirds vote; and, (3) the charter will be subject to annual evaluations by the local governing board. The developers of the charter anticipate that this structure will permit the charter school to develop new structures and modes of operation over the life of the charter. Contact Person: Larry Acheatel Phone: (916) 645-3355 Date Number Assigned: 3/11/93 Charter Proposal 11 Name of Charter School: Sheridan Elementary Charter School District: Western Placer Unified School District Lincoln, CA County: Placer This charter petition proposes to convert the existing Sheridan Elementary School to a charter school. It would become operational as a charter school on July 1, 1993. The school currently serves a population of about 100 students in grades K-6. The stated outcome of the school will be that all students function at or above grade level in the areas of reading, language, math, science and social science. The curriculum of the school will be the adopted district-wide curriculum of the District, with the flexibility to adopt supplemental materials with local board approval. The current district standardized testing program will be used to measure student progress toward meeting outcomes. The school will continue to be governed by a principal, with the Sheridan Elementary School Site Council remaining the primary vehicle for parental input into the operation of the school. This is a self-described "placeholder" that meets all of the requirements by describing essentially the existing program and operations. Built into the charter however, are provisions that state that: (1) the charter may be amended by mutual agreement of the Board of Trustees and two-thirds ratification of the certificated charter school staff; (2) certificated staff of the charter school may revoke the charter at any time by a two-thirds vote; and, (3) the charter will be subject to annual evaluations by the local governing board. The developers of the charter anticipate that this structure will permit the charter school to develop new structures and modes of operation over the life of the charter. Contact Person: Larry Acheatel Phone: (916) 645-3355 Date Number Assigned: 5/14/93 Charter Proposal 12 Name of Charter School: The Open School: Center for Individualization District: Los Angeles Unified School District Los Angeles, CA County: Los Angeles This petition proposes to convert the existing The Open School: Center for Individualization, an existing magnet elementary school within the Los Angeles Unified School District, to a charter school beginning July 1, 1993. The Open School emphasizes experiential learning in the context of developmental growth stages. The school uses a cluster approach; children are placed in clusters of non-graded multi-aged groups of children. Team teaching is used with a thematic focus through experiential activities at learning centers. It is also a school that offers significant integration of technology into the educational process. The charter envisions a developmental process by which the school will move to greater autonomy from existing district procedures and policies. The school will use both standardized and, on-demand assessments of curriculum areas and curriculum based portfolio assessments. Included in this array of assessment approaches will be the California Learning Assessment Program. Governance of the school will use the existing structure, which will be called the Governing Council. The Governing Council is composed of twelve parent representatives, six faculty members, and the magnet coordinator. The principal and a representative of the Friends of the Open School are also non-voting members. Contact Person: Joe Rao Phone: (213) 625-6040 Date Number Assigned: 5/14/93 Charter Proposal 13 Name of Charter School: Options for Youth Charter School District: Victor Valley Union High School District Victorville, CA County: San Bernardino This charter petition proposes to create a school to serve students who are dropouts and/or are at-risk of dropping out. The charter is granted for three years. The operations of the charter school will be provided by Options for Youth, an existing private, non-profit organization that has provided drop-out recovery and services to at-risk services since 1987. The goals of the school are to reintegrate drop-outs into the charter school; to offer them the opportunity to pursue independent study and home studies to work toward a high school diploma or G.E.D., to offer career and psychological counseling, to return students to other district schools and programs, and to enroll students in colleges and universities. It does so by working in partnership with the school district, community and social education and social welfare agencies to provide a comprehensive education program that address the needs of the student in a holistic manner. The curriculum is designed to make learning relevant to their personal experience by offering adult topics and issues in language and format that are readily accessible to the student. The material is presented in an accelerated format that features subject matter concentration (one or two subjects at a time - in greater dept), self-paced learning, criterion based learning and assessment. Assessment will occur through pre and post testing, using CLAS, CTBS and other instruments, as well as and interviews with students and instructors. The school will also use an outside, independent evaluator to assess the effectiveness of the overall program. Options for Youth oversee the day-to-day operations of the school, while a Board of Educators and Parents, appointed by the District Superintendent, will provide guidance on the operation of the school. Contact Person: John Hall Phone: (619) 955-5525 Date Number Assigned: 06/11/93 Charter Proposal 14 Name of Charter School: Lazear Middle School Charter District: Oakland Unified School District Oakland, CA County: Alameda This charter petition proposes to create a charter school, beginning September 1993, to serve students in grades 6-8. This school is focused on meeting the academic needs of early adolescents who are making the transition from a language other than english to english as their second language. This will occur within a Sheltered English approach. The courseswork will be coupled with high expectations, but will incorporate instructional strategies that allow for comprehensible input by the learners. Students will gain competence in English, while retaining and continuing the development of Spanish as a second (or third) language. The curriculum will be aligned with the state frameworks and the District's core curriculum. It will have two schoolwide priorities; the development of effective communication, both written and spoken, and the development of critical and antilytic thinking, leading to creative problem solving ability. Block scheduling and teachers working in teams will allow the creation of interdisciplinary English/Language/Social Studies and a Math/Science/Technology blocks. Student progress will be measured by the CLASS and portfolios, learning logs and other methods. School policy will be determined by a School Council that will have equal representation of staff, parents, community members and students. Contact Person: Clementina Duron Phone: (510) 532-3521 Date Number Assigned: 06/11/93 Charter Proposal 15 Name of Charter School: Home Independent Study and Adult Charter School District: Western Placer Unified School District Lincoln, CA County: Placer This charter petition proposes to create a charter school, beginning July 1, 1993, to serve students in grades K-12 and adults. The educational program will include home-based independent learning programs, cooperative schools, and supplemental learning projects. Adult students would attend classes on a regular daily basis. Parents will be responsible for teaching their children and the charter school will support them by providing access to a team of resource teachers and other educational resources. Curricular goals and the curriculum will be individualized and determined by each child and parent. Parents will be required to sign a contract with the school detailing the distribution of responsibilities between the parents and resource teachers for; the provision of instruction, selection of curriculum, definition of goals, evaluation of student work, and arrangements for tutors, field trips, cooperative learning projects, etc. Student progress will be measured through monthly collection of work, annual portfolios, parent and resource teacher observation, CLAS, and SAT. School governance will be conducted by a committee of four parents, two K-12 charter school faculty, one adult education member of the faculty, and one member of the business community. Any amendment to the charter may be made by mutual agreement of the local board of trustees and the charter school governing committee. Contact Person: Randy Gaschler Phone: (916) 645-2917 Date Number Assigned: 06/11/93 Charter Proposal 16 Name of Charter School: Vaughn Next Century Learning Center District: Los Angeles Unified School District Los Angeles, CA County: Los Angeles This charter petition proposes to convert the existing Vaughn Street School to a charter school beginning with the 1993-94 school year. The school currently has a K-6 enrollment of about 1024 and 90 pre- kindergarten students, and is on a multi-track year round calendar. The intent of the charter school is to provide a full service, preventive system that will assure the success of every student. The curriculum will be thematic, emphasizing real world issues and state framework concepts. Instruction will be personalized, multi-modal, involve students in planning what they are learning, and incorporate cooperative learning groups working on long-term in-depth projects. Early childhood education will be provided to all four-year olds and child care will be available. An on-site health and social service center will be established and other support services provided to minimize the external barriers to students' successful learning. A number of special services will be available to special needs populations such as; mainstreaming special education students for the majority of the day with resource specialist teachers providing direct instruction along with the regular classroom teacher, access to grade level core curriculum for LEP students as well as a transitional English program and a multi-age newcomers' class, and after-school small group homework assistance for Chapter 1 students, etc. In addition to testing through CLAS, portfolios will be developed and other activity-based scenarios with real-world contexts be used to assess student progress. The school has developed benchmark in the areas of student achievement, health and social growth, teaching effectiveness, and school-parent-community collaboration. The intent is that each benchmark will increase by at least 10 percent each year. Teachers will be organized into 4-teacher teams with a variety of professional development opportunities available to them. Peer coaching will also be instituted. The school will also articulate with middle schools to help smooth the transition of 6th graders to these schools. A cadre of high school and college students will be trained to serve as role models for students and to nurture potential teachers. The school will be governed by nine working committees, each with decision-making power. Contact Person: Joe Rao Phone: (213) 625-6040 Date Number Assigned: 06/11/93 Charter Proposal 17 Name of Charter School: EDUTRAIN District: Los Angeles Unified School District Los Angeles, CA County: Los Angeles This charter petition proposes to create a school to serve students in grades 7-12 who are primarily dropouts, young and expectant mothers, students expelled from other districts, and juvenile offenders. The first year, the school may generate no more than 850 ADA. In subsequent years, the school may generate up to 1,500 ADA. The instruction will be flexible and tailored to meet the needs of individual students. The school seeks to combine a rigorous academic education with the development of high technological skills. Instructional components for all students will include seminars, directed practice, group projects, research, laboratory work, and independent exploration and practice. Scheduling will be flexible. The school will also offer counseling services, a social services network, and family outreach to meet the needs of its students. The school expects, among other things, that each student will earn a high school diploma, and that by 1998, a minimum of 20 percent of the graduating class will meet U.C. and C.S.U. entrance requirements, and that by 1998, 40 percent of the graduating class will secure employment within 6 months of graduation. The school will be governed by a board of governors consisting of 9-15 members, at least 3 of whom will be parents. The board will be responsible for employing a president and chief financial officer to oversee daily operations of the school. Contact Person: Joe Rao Phone: (213) 625-6040 Date Number Assigned: 06/11/93 Charter Proposal 18 Name of Charter School: Bowling Green Elementary School District: Sacramento City Unified School District Sacramento, CA County: Sacramento This charter petition proposes to convert the existing Bowling Green Elementary School to a charter school. The school currently serves pre- school through 6th grade and has an enrollment of about 814 students. This school was awarded an SB 1274 restructuring demonstration grant this year. This charter proposal evolved out of the realization that the school could not fully implement its restructuring proposal under the established state and district routines and arrangements. The school proposes to use Edward Deming's principals of total quality management to continuously improve the school. The philosophies guiding the school are the Efficacy approach which assumes that if one works harder, one will get smarter as long as one is in an area that is a little beyond one's current abilities and knowledge. The other philosophy is the Integrated Thematic Instructional approach which incorporates brain research, teaching strategies and curriculum development. Initially, the school will conducted on a 180-day single track year-round schedule with the option of participation in an additional 30-day extended year program on a voluntary basis. The additional 30 days would be spread through out the school year. The school has identified five outcomes that all students should be able to meet at completion of their 6th grade year: (1) use algebraic skills and concepts; (2) be fluent in one language and conversational in a second language; (3) walk, run, or use a wheelchair to cover a mile in 10 minutes; (4) read and interpret a variety of materials from different sources; and (5) identify an opportunity to serve the community and actually go out and do it. Benchmarks will be established for each of these outcomes. In addition, the local governing board has identified six areas in which it would like to see outcomes; attendance, dropout reduction, parental involvement, employee relations, student achievement, and high expectations for all students. Students will be assessed through a variety of means including portfolios, demonstrations, Integrated Performance Tasks, CLAS, and CTBS. Governance of the school will conducted by a Steering Committee made up of representatives of the school site, administrators, and parents. Hiring of all personnel will be done by the school site, and all funding the school is eligible to receive will be under the control of the school, which will contract with the district for services it requires. Contact Person: Dennis Mah Phone: (916) 399-5426 Date Number Assigned: 06/11/93 Charter Proposal 19 Name of Charter School: Natomas Charter School District: Natomas Unified School District Sacramento, CA County: Sacramento This charter petition proposes to create a middle school (7,8,9) effective July 1, 1993. The proposed school will begin at the 7th grade level for the 1993-94 school year. The school emphasizes a student- centered approach that channels the natural high energy of young adolescents towards engaging and purposeful tasks with business and social service organizations within their own community as a method to achieve academic success, student engagement and personal growth. Opportunities for students to work with the Sacramento Tree Foundation and KVIE (PBS) are examples of the school/community partnership. The curriculum is based on the California State Frameworks, which will be pursued in regular classrooms as well as through the business/community experiences and involvement. Assessment will include the CLAS, with the Charter School's goal being achievement at a level that meets and/or exceeds that of the existing junior high school. Other assessment methods will include portfolios, student self-evaluations, and evaluations by teachers and supervising business/community member(s). A individual educational plan will also be developed and agreed to by the student, his/her parent(s) and staff. The governance of the school will be shared by a Director, the faculty, and an Advisory Council which includes parents, a student, teachers, a business leader from the community, and a board member from the district. Contact Person: Charlie Leo Phone: (916) 535-7630 Date Number Assigned: 7/9/93 Charter Proposal 20 Name of Charter School: Santa Barbara Charter School District: Santa Barbara School District Santa Barbara, CA County: Santa Barbara This charter petition proposes to create an alternative educational opportunity for children in Kindergarten through Grade 8, to become effective July 1, 1993. However, prior to the school becoming operational, a contract defining terms, conditions and details of the school's operations must be approved by the Santa Barbara Board of Education. The program will emphasize an individual instruction program, with the curricula focus based on the California State Frameworks and locally developed components. The educational program will include traditional classroom instruction, but may also enroll students through a home-school partnership program. The school has a commitment to outcomes for children that are age and developmentally appropriate, and the standards are based on the standards currently used by the Santa Barbara Open Alternative School. Assessment will be conducted through, but not limited to, the CLAS, portfolios, and student performances. A contract involving the school, the parent(s) and the student will be required. Parental involvement will be an admission requirement. The school will be structured as a cooperative organization operated by and for the benefit of those using its services. Membership in the cooperative will be comprised of the parent body and school staff. Any amendment to the charter may be made by mutual agreement of the local board of trustees and the members of the charter school. Contact Person: Wendy Kenter Phone: (805) 687-0809 Date Number Assigned 7/9/93 Charter Proposal 21 Name of Charter School: Peabody Charter School District: Santa Barbara School District Santa Barbara, CA County: Santa Barbara This charter proposes to create an alternative educational opportunity for children entering kindergarten through Grade 6. The charter anticipates to begin in September 1993 for a five-year period. Parents will sign a contract stating they will commit at least three hours per month to school service. Students will have instructional time extended by 45 minutes daily to encourage additional educational opportunities and reading time. A K-2 home/school liaison program will be developed to assist parents of low achieving students to help their child at home. The goal will be to expand to the K-6 program in 5 years. Students will have increased opportunities in the performing and visual arts, utilizing the talents of staff and specialists in art, music, drama, and dance. Curricula will be organized around thematic units. Authentic performance based assessment will be used and pupil outcomes will be reflected in portfolios, activities, and projects which will be used to construct, solve problems and discover relationships. Goals will be facilitated through the use of information technology. Students will participate in second language instruction enabling them to develop academic, linguistic, and social skills to successfully participate in the multicultural society. To facilitate parent involvement, daycare will be provided for parents who would like to volunteer in the classroom. School governance will be composed of members from the faculty, administration and the parents of the students. Contact Person: Ronald Etheridge Phone: (805) 963-4331 Date Number Assigned: 7/9/93 Charter Proposal 22 Name of Charter School: Grass Valley Alternative Charter School District: Grass Valley School District Grass Valley, CA County: Nevada This charter petition proposes to create a Home Study Alternative charter school, beginning August 23, 1993, for students in grades K-8 who choose not to be in a regular classroom situation for a variety of reasons (low achievement, high risk, health, travel, scheduling, etc.). Students will be encouraged to be self-motivated and life long learners through self-directed learning opportunities that are initiated and pursued by the student and parent. Student progress will be assessed through authentic performance-based assessments which include student portfolios, journal summaries, presentations, observations and teacher- student-parent evaluations. Based on the student's academic needs, learning style, and personal interests, parents and their children will have the opportunity to create their educational philosophy and individual goals with the advice and assistance from the charter teachers. Oversight of the charter will be provided by the Grass Valley School District Board of Trustees. An advisory Charter Council, consisting of the charter teachers, two members of the District Board of Trustees and the District superintendent, will be responsible for recommendations for additions, deletions and modifications based on a majority vote of the Charter Council. Contact Person: Susan Byerrum Phone: (916) 273-4483 Date Number Assigned: 7/9/93 Charter Proposal 23 Name of Charter School: Sonoma County Charter School District: Piner-Olivet Union School District Santa Rosa, CA County: Sonoma This charter petition proposes to establish a non-traditional school environment that includes children from the age of public eligibility through what is commonly sixth-grade age, in a non-graded learning community. The school community shall provide comprehensive and full- inclusionary access to pupils who are "at need," who may have been designated as "low achieving," and/or those who are not succeeding in traditional school environments. Local businesses will provide work experience and student projects. Parents and members of the community will help with tutoring, classes, activities, projects and service. A school requirement for admission is that parents shall agree to contribute a minimum of 40 hours of time per year. The curriculum will consist of rich, meaning-centered instruction for all students in all subject areas through an integrated thematic, and emergent curriculum. Outcome or "performance-based" learning will also be used so that students will be responsible for their learning. Measurable pupil outcomes will reflect proficiency requirements for students graduating from the school. Specific expectancies will be developed and implemented by the school's faculty and community. The expectancies will conform to outcome goals integrated from Piner-Olivet, the California State Frameworks, and criteria mandated by CAP and Western Association of Schools and Colleges. Governance structure of the charter shall be composed of a non-profit governing board that consists of persons nominated and elected from members of the school community. Contact Person: Jim Hamilton Phone: (707) 887-1476 Date Number Assigned: 7/9/93 Charter Proposal 24 Name of Charter School: Ready Springs Union Elementary Alternative Education School District: Ready Springs Union School District Penn Valley, CA County: Nevada This charter petition proposes to create a home study charter school, beginning with the 1993-94 school year. The school will attempt to educate its students, kindergarten through grade eight, with an emphasis on one-to-one teaching, an integrated curriculum, opportunities for parental education, and a special emphasis on low achievers and/or children who have not experienced success in the regular classroom setting. Students will be encouraged to be self-motivated by their own pursuit of stimulating interests guided by parents and teachers. As part of the teaching curriculum, parents will be the main teachers to provide meaningful learning through real life situations. Limited financial assistance will be available to parents for approved expenses incurred in the student's learning program. The students will demonstrate they have attained the skills, knowledge and attitudes specified as goals through the use of authentic performance based assessment which will be continually developed and determined by the charter teachers, administration, and governing board. Assessment will include: portfolios, demonstration of skills, CLAS, projects, oral and written reports, and parent/teacher conferences. Additional assessment will be administered such as CTBS, CAT, Key Math test, and Woodcock Reading test. No changes in governance structure will occur under the charter. The roles of the Board of Trustees and the Superintendent of the Ready Springs Union School District will not be altered. The charter's budget and finances will also remain under the control of the District. Contact Person: Ruthanne Buckley Phone: (916) 432-1141 Date Number Assigned: 7/9/93 Charter Proposal 25 Name of Charter School: (no specific name at this time) District: San Lorenzo Valley Unified School District County: Santa Cruz This charter petition proposes to serve the needs of the presently existing Homeschool and White Oak High School programs to integrate and improve these two programs and to evolve into a creative, consistent, unified program for K-12 which will offer individualized and expanded alternative education. The school's method of assessing a student's progress will vary with each individual. The emphasis is on growth and change, and staff will evaluate such change through the following: behavioral and attitudinal changes, performance-based assessment, improved academic achievement, communication changes, community involvement, and a greater self-awareness or openness. The school will be directed by two bodies, the Governing Board and the Advisory Council. The Governing Board will maintain a strong commitment to obtaining broad-based parental and student input on school policies and issues. The Advisory Council will be involved in the ongoing planning and evaluation of the school. Parents and students will be encouraged to participate. Parent involvement is required for younger students who will be home schooled. Older students will need to demonstrate a willingness to "parent" themselves. The school proposes to begin July 1, 1993, for a three year period. Contact Person: Eric Schoffstall Phone: (408) 336-5167 Date Number Assigned: 9/10/93 Charter Proposal 26 Name of Charter School: Twin Ridges Alternative Charter School District: Twin Ridges Elementary School District County: Nevada This charter petition proposes to create an alternative educational opportunity for children in grades K-8. The school will provide parents and their children the opportunity to choose their own educational goals which are in alignment with their education philosophy. With the advice of charter school teachers, parent-teachers and students will determine their own curriculum and teaching methods based on the student's learning modality, academic needs and personal interests. Students will meet their individual educational goals through home-based independent learning programs, cooperative school, community-based educational programs and supplemental learning projects which liberate students to explore alternatives such as: alternative scheduling, community service, work experience, counseling, and outdoor and extra curricular experiences. Students will be assessed by demonstrating attained skills and knowledge through performance-based assessments such as portfolios, presentations, demonstrations, and teacher-student-parent evaluations. The school will be governed by a Charter Council, which will be responsible for all recommended modifications to the school. A Charter Parent Council, consisting of five parents, will provide input and recommendations to the Charter Council related to programs, curriculum, and program improvement. This school proposes to begin in September, 1993. Contact Person: Paul Alderete Phone (916)292-4221 Date Number Assigned: 9/10/93 Charter Proposal 27 Name of Charter School: Early Intervention-Healthy Start Charter School District: Elk Grove Unified School District County: Sacramento This charter petition proposes to coordinate, extend, and enhance academic support, health and counseling services to students in preschool, kindergarten, first and second grades who have been identified to be "at-risk" for school failure. The charter school is located at Florin Elementary and will deliver services through a coordinated, comprehensive, forward-looking system based on a philosophy of student and family success which is client-centered, classroom-based and holistic. The program emphasizes the importance of teamwork among the parents, classroom teachers and all support staff. The school will motivate and prepare parents to maintain active participation in their child's education through parent workshops and seminars. All students will receive individual and small group instruction in the following areas: School Readiness, Reading/Language Arts, Math Skills/Problem Solving and Study Skills. Student achievement will be measured by one or more of the following: teacher observation, curriculum-based assessment, Early Childhood Development Skills Continuum, and CAT (5). Under the overall direction of the district's Board of Trustees, day-to- day operation of the charter school will be managed by the school-site principal and the Early Intervention-Healthy Start Charter School Coordinator. The charter school Coordinator will participate as a member of the Healthy Start Steering Committee. The committee is comprised of parents, the community, teachers, administrators, and county and private service providers who will oversee community involvement, policies, procedures, service management/delivery and student/family outcomes. The charter proposes to begin in September, 1993. Contact Person: David Gordon Phone: (916) 686-7740 Date Number Assigned: 9/10/93 Charter Proposal 28 Name of Charter School: The Charter School of San Diego District: San Diego Unified School District County: San Diego This charter petition, developed by the San Diego Business Roundtable for Education and the San Diego USD, proposes to create a K-8 charter school for one year, with a renewal period of four years. The charter school will measure the success of its educational program through diverse methods including the use of the following: CLAS, standardized tests, performance-based assessments including student portfolios, parent surveys, and attendance. The school will be governed by a board that will ensure active parental involvement by establishing an advisory board composed of ten to twenty parents. A parental pledge acknowledging a parent's special role in student achievement will be required of all parents. Contact Person: Rod Tompkins Phone: (619) 225-1552 Date Number Assigned: 9/10/93 Charter Proposal 29 Name of Charter School: Bear Valley Charter School District: Bear Valley Unified School District County: San Bernardino This charter petition proposes to create an educational community for 6- 8 grade students, their parents, and their teachers, beginning July 1, 1993. Student outcomes in the area of "social responsibility" will be determined by documenting actual contributions made by students to the charter school, or to the student's local community, state, nation, or world. Authentic assessment and student portfolios will assess student achievement. Admission to the school will require a commitment from both parents and students to the goals, objectives and mission of the school set forth in the school handbook which will be explained in an enrollment interview. Decisions about the charter school will be made through a process involving students, parents and the charter school teachers. The governing body of the charter will be empowered to make all decisions regarding the operation of the school. Contact Person: Jim Comlossy Phone: 909-866-5721 Date Number Assigned: 9/10/93 Charter Proposal 30 Name of Charter School: Fenton Avenue School District: Los Angeles Unified School District County: Los Angeles This charter proposes to convert the existing Fenton Avenue School into a charter school. The school is a year-round, multi-track school which serves 1,180 students pre-kindergarten through sixth grade. The entire school community will work cooperatively and collaboratively to create a child-centered environment in which all partners are empowered by their own sense of ownership and responsibility to the school. Student progress will be assessed through teacher-made tests, pre- and post- tests, teacher observation and student portfolios. The charter will continually seek to involve parents or guardians in every aspect of their child's educational process. Parents will attend a newcomers orientation meeting to review and sign a parent/student responsibility code contract and volunteer a minimum of 3 hours a month which can be tailored around their work schedules. The school will provide tutoring and counseling services to children and parents in need. The charter school will be governed by the collective group of stakeholders: teachers, staff, parents, community members, and administrators. The transition to charter school status will begin January 1, 1994. Contact Person: Joe Rao Phone: (213) 625-6040 Date Number Assigned: 9/10/93 Charter Proposal 31 Name of Charter School: Westwood Elementary School District: Los Angeles Unified School District County: Los Angeles This charter petition proposes to convert Westwood Elementary to a charter school, beginning in the Fall of 1993. The school will be organized on the model of a family with caring and knowledgeable adults guiding children. Westwood's philosophy is to use thematic instruction and experiential learning so that children will become active learners. The school will be involved with community outreach or service learning as a way to allow interaction with institutions and agencies within the community. Technology will be used to increase student achievement, problem-solving skills and computer literacy. Parental involvement will be strongly encouraged in order to strengthen the partnership between parents and teachers. Pupil progress will be measured in four areas: academic achievement, social and community ethics and values, community outreach/service learning, and attendance. Children will be assessed through CLAS, CSAS/Aprenda, and authentic assessments, such as portfolios, teacher observation, journals, and projects. The School Based Management Council is the governing body of the school. Contact Person: Joe Rao Phone (213) 625-6040 Date Number Assigned: 9/10/93 Charter Proposal 32 Name of Charter School: Round Valley Charter School District: Round Valley Unified School District County: Mendocino This charter petition proposes to create an educational alternative for K-12 students, beginning in January of 1994; however, in its first year of operation it would limit enrollment to between 20 and 30 kindergarten through eighth grade students. Pupil progress will be assessed by: portfolios, integrated performance tasks, standardized tests, demonstrations, school-teacher-student-parent communication, and group and individual problem solving. The charter school will be governed by an advisory council, composed of a minimum of eleven people. All parents/guardians will be required to serve a minimum six month term on the advisory council. Prior to admission, the parent/guardian and student will be required to sign a contract indicating they understand the charter outcomes, philosophy and program. The parent/guardian must also develop and submit a plan for their involvement and support. Contact Person: Kate Lane Phone: (707) 983-6708 Date Number assigned: 9/10/93 Charter Proposal 33 Name of Charter School: Darnall E-Campus District: San Diego Unified School District County: San Diego This charter petition proposes to convert Darnall E-Campus to a charter school beginning in the 1993-94 school year. The school's learning environment will be based on a developmentally appropriate curriculum in multi-age classrooms. Pupil progress will be measured by: performance assessment; anecdotal records; student journals; video and audio recordings; electronic portfolios; student exhibitions; parent interviews; student observations and interviews; and developmental growth, behavior and attendance charts. The school's governance structure will be based on shared-decision making. The school's daily governance will be under the Developmental Learning Teams and their areas of responsibility will include: instruction policy, student assessment, curriculum development and instructional materials. The school's operation will be facilitated by the Principal, monitored by the Communication Group, and managed by the Business Manager. Parents will be required to commit to and sign a "mutual support agreement,' which outlines parents' and the school's responsibilities; and second, they will agree to attend and participate in no fewer that eight school events in each academic year. Contact Person: Loyal Carlon Phone: (619) 582-1822 Date Number Assigned: 9/10/93 Charter Proposal 34 Name of Charter School: Palisades Elementary Charter School District: Los Angeles Unified School District County: Los Angeles This petition serves elementary students K-5 and will be granted status for a five-year period beginning July 1993. The school serves 125 LEP students and approximately 50% of the students travel from other areas of Los Angeles. All students will be taught an integrated curriculum which is literature based, meaning centered and which draws on students' experiences. Parent participation will be encouraged through parent education meetings, PTA, Booster Club, and the Parent Outreach Program. Prior to admission, parents and students will attend an orientation program describing the instructional program and school policies. The school will develop objective benchmarks for each grade level, that will assess individual student's progress. Assessment methods will include: CTBS, teacher observation, teacher-designed evaluations and evaluative tools which complement current textbooks in various subject areas. The school will be governed by the Palisades Elementary Governing Board comprised of five certificated employees, one administrator, two parent/community representatives and one classified representative. Contact Person: Joe Rao Phone: (213) 625-6040 Date Number Assigned: 9/10/93 Charter Proposal 35 Name of Charter School: Marquez Charter School District: Los Angeles Unified School District County: Los Angeles This charter petition proposes to convert the Marquez School to charter status beginning July 1993. The school is the largest of the three elementary schools located in Pacific Palisades serving students in grades K-5. Approximately 1/3 of the students travel from other sections of the city. The school will use thematic instruction and experiential and cooperative learning approaches to classroom instruction, learning activities and problem solving development. The school will assess both individual and schoolwide progress with appropriate measures that take into account the needs of all students such as: portfolios, projects, performance and IEPs. The school governing board will consist of 6 teachers, 1 classified representative, the principal and 3 parents/guardians of students. Parent participation will involve: meetings, parent education classes, conferences, monthly grade level newsletters, and parent needs assessment. Contact Person: Joe Rao Phone: (213) 625-6040 Date Number Assigned: 9/10/93 Charter Proposal 36 Name of Charter School: The Palisades Charter High School District: Los Angeles Unified School District County: Los Angeles This charter petition proposes to convert the Pacific Palisades High School to charter status beginning July 1993. It will serve students in grades 9-10. The curriculum will focus on interdisciplinary thematic instruction. Students will exhibit their competencies through projects developed cooperatively with other students and mentors, oral and written presentations, video productions, and portfolios. In addition, students will be administered the CLAS assessment. Other measures of success will include: attendance, drop out rates, and post-secondary matriculation. The school will be governed by 8 charter faculty members, the principal, a classified representative and a charter student. Subcommittees will be responsible for budgets, curriculum and instruction, student life, and scheduling. Parents and students will be asked to attend an orientation program to fully understand the instructional program and school policies. Contact Person: Joe Rao Phone: (213) 625-6040 Date Number Assigned: 9/10/93 Charter Proposal 37 Name of Charter School: Canyon Charter School District: Los Angeles Unified School District County: Los Angeles This charter petition proposes to convert the Canyon Elementary School to charter school status beginning with the 1993-94 school year. The curriculum will be based on an interdisciplinary thematic approach. The program will develop a partnership between home and school and will expand the parent outreach program. The school will measure student progress by: portfolios, projects, performances and IEPs. The school will have a governing board, consisting of 4 teachers, 1 administrator, 1 classified representative and 3 parents, which will operate as the campus's decision-making body. The school will require parents and students to review and sign a home-school contract which will reflect the policies of the school. Contact Person: Joe Rao Phone: (213) 625-6040 Date Number Assigned: 9/10/93