Charter School Operational Performance Framework and Guidance

Transcription

1 Charter Schl Operatinal Perfrmance Framewrk and Guidance Nrth Carlina Department f Public Instructin Office Charter Schls Prepared fr the Nrth Carlina Department f Public Instructin in cnjunctin with the Natinal Assciatin f Charter Schl Authrizers 1

2 Operatinal Perfrmance Framewrk Guidance Charter schls have the autnmy t manage their rganizatin cnsistent with state and federal law; hwever, the Nrth Carlina State Bard f Educatin (SBE) and the Nrth Carlina Department f Public Instructin (DPI) must prtect the health, safety, and well being f students by ensuring that the schls are peratinally sund. SBE, by renewing r nt renewing a charter schl, determine whether charter schls are nt nly academically and financially viable, but als rganizatinally sund. The Operatinal Perfrmance Framewrk gauges a range f areas including educatinal prgrams, equity, schl culture, gvernance, safety, and reprting fr each schl. The peratinal framewrk identifies schls meeting peratinal and cmpliance quality standards. Annual utilizatin and reprting f the peratinal framewrk prvides tls t recgnize schls currently in r trending twards structural difficulty and t mre practively evaluate r address the prblem. The framewrk aligns with NACSA s Principles & Standards fr Quality Charter Schl Authrizing (2012), which states that authrizers shuld, thrugh a perfrmance framewrk, set clear expectatins fr clear, measurable, and attainable academic, financial, and rganizatinal perfrmance standards and targets. The Operatinal Perfrmance Framewrk prvides a clear picture f a schl s rganizatinal perfrmance and cmpliance with state and federal law. This framewrk, which has been included as Appendix A, will enable the SBE t mre effectively evaluate a charter schl s peratinal perfrmance as part f nging mnitring and renewal decisin making. Framewrk Structure Cmpnent Definitin Example Indicatrs Measures Metrics Targets 6 general categries f peratinal perfrmance Questins t evaluate an aspect f an indicatr Expectatins set frth in evaluating a measure Threshlds that signify success in meeting the standard fr a specific measure Equity Is the schl prtecting the rights f English Language Learners (ELL)? - Required plicies related t the service f ELL students - Prper steps fr identificatin and exiting f students fr ELL services The schl cmplied with applicable laws, rules, regulatins, and prvisins f the charter agreement relating t English Language Learner requirements. Ratings Assignment f charter schl If schl meets the target f 2c the rating categry is perfrmance int ne f tw rating Meets Standard categries, based n hw the schl perfrms against the framewrk targets 2

3 Indicatrs Charter Schl Operatinal Perfrmance Framewrk Guide The framewrk includes six indicatrs r categries used t evaluate a schl s peratinal perfrmance and cmpliance. 1. Educatin Prgram This indicatr includes measures f the schl s fidelity t the educatin prgram as defined by the charter agreement and law. Charter schls must, by means f a charter applicatin (r charter amendment), prpse t the authrizer the educatin prgram they plan t implement. The authrizer apprves a charter schl based n the expectatin that the schl will fllw the material cmpnents f its educatin prgram as prpsed, while still allwing the schl sufficient autnmy. Fr the purpses f the Operatinal Framewrk, we define material in the fllwing way: Material Material means that the authrizer deems the matter relevant t: 1. The authrizer s accuntability decisins, including but nt limited t decisins abut whether t renew r nn-renew r revke a charter, r 2. Infrmatin that is relevant and significant t the utcme, r 3. Infrmatin that a family wuld cnsider relevant t a decisin t attend the schl. The Educatin Prgram sectin is used t evaluate the schl s adherence t the material terms f its prpsed educatin prgram as they were set ut in the charter agreement. This sectin als captures certain aspects f an educatin prgram that are required by law (e.g., assessments, special educatin requirements, etc.). Additinally, we frequently refer t the charter agreement, which is defined as fllws: Charter Agreement The legally binding dcument that defines the expectatins f the authrizer t the nnprfit charter schl bard fr the peratin f the charter schl. 2. Equity While charter schls may be exempt frm certain laws and allwed t functin with greater autnmy, they still must adhere t federal and state laws regarding treatment f students within the rganizatin. In this sectin, the authrizer measures charter schl cmpliance with a variety f laws related t students including the rights f students. 3. Schl Culture This indicatr includes measures f the schl s fidelity t the State Bard apprved missin. 4. Gvernance A charter schl must practice sund gvernance thrughut the existence f the charter. In this sectin, the authrizer sets frth expectatins f the charter bard s cmpliance with gvernance-related laws as well as the bard s wn State Bard apprved bylaws and plicies. Additinally, this indicatr includes a measure t evaluate the extent t which the bard versees the individuals r rganizatins t which it delegates the duties f implementing the prgram, a fiduciary respnsibility f the bard. 5. Facilities and Safe Schl Envirnment Charter schls must als fllw laws related t the schl s physical plant and the health and safety f students and the charter cmmunity. This sectin addresses the schl s facility, fire inspectins, certificate f ccupancy, and schl s cde f cnduct plicy, amng ther things. 6. Reprting and Cmpliance A charter schl must adhere t reprting requirements f the authrizer and ther respnsible entities. The final indicatr ensures that the authrizer has the authrity t hld the charter schl accuntable fr any laws r requirements that are nt explicitly stated in the Operatinal Framewrk. The measures and metrics utlined in this Framewrk represent the authrizer s pririties, thus certain, lwer pririty requirements may nt be explicitly called ut in the framewrk and wuld instead be captured in the reprting requirements sectin. This 3

4 measure als prvides the authrizer with the flexibility necessary t hld the schl accuntable fr any requirements that may have been enacted r changed after the Perfrmance Framewrk was adpted. Measures Fr each f the indicatrs, the Framewrk prvides a number f measures by which t evaluate schls. The measures take the frm f questins abut each schl s perfrmance. Fr example: Is the schl cmplying with applicable educatinal requirements? Is the schl prtecting the rights f Exceptinal Children (EC) and English Language Learner (ELL) students? Infrmatin and guidance specific t each measure is prvided belw in the Measures In Detail sectin. Metrics Metrics are expectatins set frth in evaluating a measure. Fr example, t evaluate the questin, Is the schl prtecting the rights f English Language Learner (ELL) students? authrizers shuld lk t a number f areas where the schl must meet existing expectatins established by laws, rules, regulatins, r prvisins f the charter agreement. Examples f metrics fr this measure are: Required plicies related t the service f ELL students Prper steps fr identificatin f students in need f ELL services Required accmmdatins as utlined in the students educatinal plan (ie IEP, LEP, 504) are met with fidelity Thrughut the Operatinal Framewrk, we set frth the metrics fr evaluating the different measures within the Meets Standard rating. Targets and Ratings Fr each measure a schl receives ne f tw ratings based n evaluatin f the established metrics. The Meets Standard rating is defined by the threshld f success fr the measure, r the target the schl is expected t meet. In the Operatinal Framewrk, this rating prvides the detailed metrics against which the charter schl is judged. If the schl meets the target, then the authrizer des nt need t fllw up with the schl r require crrective actin. Schls d nt meet the standard if failures are material in nature, meaning they are relevant t the authrizer s accuntability decisins. Des Nt Meet Standard: The Des Nt Meet Standard rating remains cnsistent fr each measure in the Operatinal Framewrk and reads: The schl has failed t implement the prgram in the manner described abve; the failure(s) were material, but the bard has instituted remedies that have resulted in cmpliance r prmpt and sufficient mvement tward cmpliance t the satisfactin f the authrizer. This means that the schl has materially failed t meet the target at any pint during the evaluatin perid. Schls with a number f Des Nt Meet Standard designatins may be cnsidered fr nn-renewal. Each measure will have a cmment bx t allw fr explanatins f why a schl received a particular rating, and what evidences were used t create the rating. 4

5 Use f the Framewrk Cllecting Evidence The authrizer determines the amunt f evidence that is necessary t determine whether the schl is meeting each target and assess staff capacity when deciding hw best t evaluate schl peratinal perfrmance. Additinal evidences may be required t determine peratinal perfrmance, depending n a given situatin. Sme measures in the Operatinal Framewrk require peridic mnitring t ensure cmpliance, while thers can be analyzed annually during site visits r reprts submitted t the authrizer. Others still may nly require an assurance f cmpliance by the charter schl bard but may require fllw up if cncerns are raised. Due t the cmplexity in verifying cmpliance with sme metrics, evidence f cmpliance may be determined nly after the cllectin and analysis f multiple data pints. Fr example, the authrizer may peridically evaluate whether a schl is cmpliant with special-educatin requirements by gathering evidence thrugh multiple surces at different pints in the schl year (i.e., the authrizer may annually verify cmpliance by review f special-educatin audits cnducted by the Department f Public Instructin (DPI) as well as thrugh site visit bservatins). The sectins belw utline cmmn ways that authrizers may cllect data t evaluate charter schls peratinal perfrmance, beginning with the least intensive apprach. Assurance f cmpliance by the charter bard The Operatinal Framewrk prvides a space fr the authrizer t reprt any credible cases f nncmpliance in areas where it may nt rutinely evaluate the schl. The authrizer shuld require that the schl maintain a file f fficial assurance f cmpliance by the charter schl bard. This dcumentatin by the charter bard prvides an assurance t the authrizer that the bard is aware f its legal bligatins t the rganizatin. The charter schl bard shuld apprve this dcument annually. Accmpanying this assurance shuld be evidence f cmpliance r direct reference t evidence (e.g., reference t bard minutes r plicies, reference t schl prcedures, r certificates). The assurance and evidence culd be rganized in a file r binder that the authrizer can access at the schl site upn request. The authrizer shuld review the file at least annually r when deemed necessary (i.e., the authrizer may review this reprt and request fllw-up infrmatin n sme measures during an annual site visit). Fr instance, an authrizer may require that the charter schl bard assure it is cmplying with emplyment law. Evidence f cmpliance wuld include the bard-apprved assurance and wuld be verified annually by the authrizer; in this case, cmpliance wuld be assumed unless determined therwise. A cmplaint t the authrizer may warrant mre direct review r investigatin f an issue, but the burden f prviding evidence f cmpliance lies with the charter schl bard that has assured cmpliance t the authrizer. Required reprting The authrizer may als require that the charter schl reprt r verify cmpliance t the authrizer, in which case evidence f cmpliance wuld be at the dispsal f the authrizer fr reference during mnitring. Fr example, the authrizer may require that the charter schl submit specific plicies and prcedures. Nte, hwever, that the authrizer shuld be careful t verify the accuracy and quality f self-reprted data. Excessive required reprts may be burdensme n bth the schl and authrizer and culd cause the authrizer t spend mre time and resurces mnitring reprting requirements than evaluating the schl s perfrmance utcmes. T ease the burden, the authrizer will establish a calendar f required reprts t clearly cmmunicate regular reprting deadlines t its charter schls. The calendar shuld utline which reprts the authrizer requires, the frm the reprts shuld take, and the pint(s) in the year when reprts are due t the authrizer. Observed practice The authrizer may verify cmpliance fr certain measures in the Operatinal Framewrk thrugh direct bservatin. Fr example, the authrizer may bserve mandatry state assessments t ensure cmpliance with 5

6 required prcedures. The authrizer is careful when using this type f mnitring except when necessary and shuld, wherever pssible, seek additinal evidence t substantiate bserved practice. Investigatins At times authrizers may receive cmplaints r assertins frm individuals that a schl is nt in cmpliance. The authrizer shuld generally refer the cmplainant t the charter schl bard, which is respnsible fr investigating such cases. Hwever, frm time t time the authrizer may receive cmplaints that it must investigate directly, especially if the cmplaint is a majr infractin (e.g., schl leadership is accused f cheating n state assessments) r if it invlves the charter schl bard (e.g., accused vilatins f pen meeting law). In sme instances, the authrizer itself may be required by law t take actin r ntify apprpriate authrities. The Operatinal Framewrk allws space fr the authrizer t investigate ptential grievances and determine whether r nt the schl is meeting rganizatinal expectatins. Evaluatin The Operatinal Perfrmance Framewrk prvides infrmatin that can be used bth t mnitr charter schls in an nging annual basis and t infrm high-stakes decisins such as renewal r revcatin. Review Schedule The authrizer shuld, at least annually, frmally review the schl s adherence t the Operatinal Framewrk. This transparent authrizer reprting f the schl s perfrmance measured t the Framewrk will allw the schl s bard nging pprtunity t address shrtcmings. Further, the authrizer will have clear dcumentatin f systemic issues with rganizatinal effectiveness if the need t recmmend clsure shuld arise. Reprting Each year the authrizer shuld reprt n the findings f its evaluatin f the schl s perfrmance against the peratinal expectatins. This public reprt shuld at a minimum nte areas where the schl is failing t meet the Framewrk standards, and culd als highlight the areas where the schl was in cmpliance. Accuntability decisins The Academic and Financial Perfrmance Framewrks are generally the primary tls fr accuntability decisins largely because authrizers use these framewrks t measure schls utcmes. The Operatinal Framewrk is used t measure cmpliance, which is nt always directly related t schl perfrmance. In mst cases, the authrizer uses the evaluatin f the Operatinal Framewrk as a way t cmmunicate unsatisfactry perfrmance, as a basis fr interventin, r as secndary evidence when making the case fr clsure. Only when the schl has multiple instances f Des nt meet standards, which wuld indicate majr cncerns with rganizatinal effectiveness, shuld an authrizer cnsider findings n rganizatinal effectiveness as the primary reasn fr nnrenewal r revcatin. Regardless f the pint in the life f the charter, whether during an interim review r at the time f renewal, schls that have multiple ccurrences where they annually d nt meet standards shuld be cnsidered fr nnrenewal r revcatin, especially if these instances put students in danger, are pervasive within the charter schl, r are egregius in nature. At the end f a charter term, the authrizer shuld analyze bth static and trend data related t rganizatinal perfrmance using the Operatinal Framewrk. It is imprtant t analyze whether the schl s perfrmance in the ne area is trending upward r dwnward, as that may impact bth interventin and renewal decisins. A schl may shw a pattern f spradic nncmpliance thrughut the life f the charter and in the mst recent year. In this case, the authrizer must evaluate the schl s rganizatinal effectiveness and determine whether the issues are systemic and if the schl is likely t remain unstable in the next charter term. The authrizer shuld determine whether t place a schl n interventin and renew r make a decisin f nnrenewal. 6

7 Interventin The authrizer will use the framewrk t identify schls whse rganizatinal stability is in danger and fr interventin purpses. This interventin culd be in the frm f cmmunicatin f unsatisfactry perfrmance, increased mnitring, mid-year financial check-ins, r gvernance warnings. Fr schls determined t be in peratinal distress fllwing the cmprehensive review described abve, the authrizer will cnsider requiring nging reprting t mnitr cntinuus rganizatinal perfrmance and may elevate interventin strategies. Review and Renewal Framewrk results will be utilized during the renewal perid and five year review t identify schls histrical trends and current psitins, bth f which are useful in gauging schls future vitality. Revcatin In the mst severe cases f instability, the framewrk will indicate schls that shuld be cnsidered fr revcatin f their charters. The targets fr each measure are set t indicate schls that are annually nt meeting standards. Schls that receive multiple measures at this level will be cnsidered fr charter revcatin. 7

8 Sectin III: Operatinal Perfrmance Indicatrs and Measures: 1. Educatin Prgram a. Essential Terms b. Data Use c. Educatin Requirements 2. Equity a. Admissins and Enrllment b. Students with Disabilities c. English Language Learner Students d. Attritin and Enrllment Stability 3. Schl Culture a. Missin Alignment and High Expectatins 4. Gvernance a. Gvernance Requirements b. Schl Leadership Accuntability 5. Facilities and Safe Schl Envirnment a. Safe and Secure Schl 6. Reprting and Cmpliance a. Federal and State Reprting Requirements 8

9 Measures in Detail Each f the measures included in the rganizatinal framewrk are described in the fllwing thirteen pages. Indicatr 1: Educatin Prgram The Organizatinal Framewrk includes measures f the schl s educatinal prgram that are legal requirements that the schl must adhere t when implementing its educatinal prgram. These measures are different frm the Academic Perfrmance Framewrk in that they measure educatinal cmpliance rather than perfrmance utcmes and shuld remain separate frm the Academic Perfrmance Framewrk. 1a. Essential Terms Definitin: The authrizer apprves charter schl applicatins n the basis f the essential terms f the charter prpsal. Essential terms The essential terms f the charter are the critical characteristics that define the charter schl prgram. The essential terms are usually defined in the charter applicatin and set frth in the charter agreement either thrugh direct inclusin in the bdy f the agreement r thrugh reference t prtins f the charter applicatin. Surce f Data: Site visit bservatins, interviews with stakehlders in the charter cmmunity, prfessinal develpment lgs, certificatins, accreditatins, lcal surveys, Teacher Wrking Cnditins Survey and required reprts frm the charter schl (including annual reprts, reviews, and renewal applicatins). Measure 1a Is the schl implementing the essential terms f the educatin prgram as defined in its charter agreement? The schl is implementing the academic prgram and design as described in its State Bard apprved charter applicatin r apprved amendments. Des Nt Meet Standard: The schl is nt implementing the academic prgram and design as described in its State Bard apprved charter applicatin r apprved amendments. Evidence and Cmments 9

10 1b. Data Use Definitin: The use f data t infrm instructin is a best practice f highly effective schls. Surce f Data: Observatin, EVAAS access, bard meeting minutes, results f infrmal and frmal data, PLC minutes, Read t Achieve plan, student interventin plan, prcess fr identifying at risk students, prcess and prcedure prtcl fr assessments, interviews with stakehlders in the cmmunity and required reprts frm the Charter Schl. Measure 1b Des the schl use data t infrm, guide, and imprve instructin and ther schl practices? The schl uses specific frmal and infrmal data prcesses r prcedures t infrm, guide and imprve instructin and ther schl practices. Educatin Value-Added Assessment System (EVAAS) has an administratr frm the charter schl Bard meeting minutes, including a principal reprt, demnstrates data use t infrm instructin Schl is cllecting and using data thrughut the schl year as evidenced by data summary sheets Des Nt Meet Standard: The schl des nt uses specific frmal and infrmal data prcesses r prcedures t infrm, guide and imprve instructin and ther schl practices. Evidence and Cmments 10

11 1c. Educatin Requirements Sme elements f a Nrth Carlina public schl s educatin prgram are fixed in law (ie: federal mandates, Race t the Tp) and may nt be waived fr charter schls. Surce f Data: Schl calendar, graduatin and prmtin requirements as stated in State Bard apprved charter, student handbks, licensure infrmatin, student recrds r reprts that the schl may submit t verify cmpliance may be requested. Measure 1c Is the schl cmplying with applicable educatinal requirements? The schl cmplies with applicable laws, rules, and regulatins, and prvisins as stated in the charter agreement relating t instructinal prgramming, including but nt limited t: Instructinal days r instructinal hurs requirements Graduatin requirements as stated in State Bard apprved applicatin Prmtin requirements as stated in State Bard apprved applicatin Adhere t all testing and accuntability plicies fr state assessments Implementatin f mandated prgramming as a result f state r federal requirements (ie: Read t Achieve legislatin) Des Nt Meet Standard: The schl des nt cmply with applicable laws, rules, and regulatins, and prvisins as stated in the charter agreement relating t instructinal prgramming. Evidence and Cmments 11

12 Indicatr 2: Equity Measures 2a. Admissins and Enrllment Definitin: Charter Schls must prtect the rights f the students they serve. Nrth Carlina public schl s admissin and enrllment plicies are t prvide students with fair and equitable treatment and may nt be waived. Surce f Data: Reprts t the authrizer, including charter schl bard plicies and examples f frms (e.g., student enrllment frm), and site visit bservatins and interviews with charter schl cmmunity stakehlders. The authrizer may als require that the schl s bard assures cmpliance with certain elements f this measure that may be difficult t verify unless thrugh investigatin (e.g., implementatin f discipline plicies). Measure 2a Are the schl s admissins and enrllment practices fair and equitable, as required by law? Plicies and prcedures related t admissin requirements d nt discriminate against any student n the basis f ethnicity, natinal rigin, gender, r disability. Except as therwise prvided by law r missin f the schl as set ut in the charter, the schl des nt limit admissin t students n the basis f intellectual ability, measures f achievement r aptitude, athletic ability, disability, race, creed, gender, natinal rigin, religin, r ancestry. The schl fllws the Charter Schl Act, Nrth Carlina General Statute 115C and 115C , and charter agreement. Des Nt Meet Standard: Plicies and prcedures related t admissin requirements d nt fllw the Charter Schl Act, Nrth Carlina General Statute 115C and 115C , and charter agreement. Evidence and Cmments 12

13 2b. Students with Disabilities Definitin: Charter schls must fllw Nrth Carlina state and federal special educatin laws and prvide a high-quality learning envirnment fr all students. The elements within this measure range frm requirements fr identificatin f students t prper allcatin and use f special educatin funds. Surce f Data: The authrizer may evaluate this measure thrugh required reprts, site visit bservatins, and interviews f stakehlders, r third-party reprts and mnitring. The Department f Public Instructin will cnduct mnitring t ensure general supervisin. Measure 2b Is the schl ensuring the rights f students? (i.e.: students with 504 plans, students with disabilities, etc.) The schl materially cmplies with applicable laws, rules, regulatins, and prvisins f the charter agreement relating t the treatment f students with identified disabilities and thse suspected f having a disability including but nt limited t: Identificatin and referral Prcedural cmpliance including academic prgramming, assessments, and all ther aspects f the schl s respnsibilities Apprpriately implementing student Individualized Educatin Plans and Sectin 504 plans Ensuring access t the facility and prgramming fr students Cmpleting and submitting grant(s) and budget(s) n time t secure special educatin funding Des Nt Meet Standard: The schl des nt materially cmply with applicable laws, rules, regulatins, and prvisins f the charter agreement relating t the treatment f students with identified disabilities and thse suspected f having a disability. Evidence and Cmments 13

14 2c. English Language Learner (ELL) Students Definitin: Charter schls must fllw Nrth Carlina state and federal English Language Learner laws and prvide a high-quality learning envirnment fr all students. The elements within this measure range frm requirements fr identificatin f students t prper security and use f apprpriate accmmdatins n assessments. Surce f Data: The Authrizer may evaluate this measure thrugh required reprts, site visit bservatins, and interviews f stakehlders, r third-party reprts r mnitring. The Department f Public Instructin will cnduct peridic assessments that authrizers will access. Measure 2c Is the schl prtecting the rights f English Language Learners (ELL)? The schl materially cmpiles with applicable laws, rules, regulatins, and prvisins f the charter agreement relating t English Language Learner requirements, including but nt limited t: Required plicies related t the service f ELL students Apprpriate use f the NC English Language Develpment standards Prper steps fr identificatin f students in need f ELL services Cmplete data verificatin as required by Nrth Carlina Department f Public Instructin Cmplete required paperwrk dcumentatin in regards t ELL students Apprpriate and equitable delivery f services t identified students (including instructinal grupings) Administer annual state identified English Language Prficiency test Apprpriate accmmdatins n assessments Mnitr exited ELL students fr tw years after exiting Required accmmdatins as utlined in the students educatinal plan (ie: Individual Educatin Plan, Limited English Prficiency plan, and 504 plan) are met with fidelity Des Nt Meet Standard: The schl des nt materially cmply with applicable laws, rules, regulatins, and prvisins f the charter agreement relating t English Language Learner requirements Evidence and Cmments 14

15 2d. Attritin and Enrllment Stability Definitin: Withdraw rates are measured as the ttal number f students that withdraw during the academic year. Average Daily Membership (ADM) divided by student withdraws. Surce f Data: The Authrizer may evaluate this measure thrugh required reprts, Grade Enrllment and Expansin frm, site visit bservatins, and interviews with stakehlders, r mnitring. Measure 2d Is the schl mnitring withdraw rates and maintaining enrllment stability? The schl meets the requirements belw including but nt limited t: The schl has prcedures t cllect data t mnitr attritin rates and analyzes data t ensure stable and equitable enrllment. The schls actual enrllment is within ten percent (10%) f the maximum authrized enrllment The schls withdrawal rate is less than ten percent (10%) f their ADM. Des Nt Meet Standard: The schl des nt meet the requirements belw including but nt limited t: The schl has prcedures t cllect data t mnitr attritin rates and analyzes data t ensure stable and equitable enrllment. The schl s actual enrllment is within ten percent (10%) f the maximum authrized enrllment The schl s withdrawal rate is less than ten percent (10%) f their ADM. Evidence and Cmments 15

16 Indicatr 3: Schl Missin 3a. Missin Alignment Definitin: Missin alignment means that the plicies, prcedures, academic prgraming, and schl s purpse is united with the state bard apprved missin f the schl. Surce f Data: The Authrizer may evaluate this measure thrugh required reprts, site visit bservatins, and interviews f stakehlders, r third-party reprts r mnitring. Measure 3a Des the schl s learning envirnment align with its state bard apprved missin f the schl? The schl is cnsistent with the schl s missin and educatinal prgram including but nt limited t: State Bard apprved missin statement aligns in all published and signed materials Cnsistent State Bard apprved missin statement aligns and is cmmunicated by stakehlders Partnerships as described in the charter applicatin with educatinal institutins r cmmunity rganizatins relate psitively t missin achievement Des Nt Meet Standard: The schl is nt cnsistent with the schl s missin and educatinal prgram including but nt limited t: State Bard apprved missin statement aligns in all published and signed materials Cnsistent State Bard apprved missin statement aligns and is cmmunicated by stakehlders Evidence and Cmments 16

17 Indicatr 4: Gvernance 4a. Gvernance Requirements Definitin: Charter schls must fllw Nrth Carlina state and federal laws, State Bard plicy, and the charter agreement t prvide a high-quality learning envirnment fr all students. Surce f Data: The Authrizer will verify bard cmpliance thrugh analysis f critical gvernance dcumentatin. Additinally, the Authrizer may require a statement f assurances f cmpliance with cnflicts f interest and bard membership requirements, amng ther things. If the Authrizer, thrugh mnitring r evaluatin, finds that it needs t fllw up and mnitr bard gvernance mre clsely, it can lk fr additinal evidence that may include, but is nt limited t the fllwing: Strategic plan that includes gals and bjectives fr meeting the schl s missin Bard versight and evaluatin f the perfrmance f the charter schl Attendance by the authrizer at bard meetings t verify cmpliance Measure 4a Is the schl cmplying with standards f high quality gvernance requirements? The Charter Schl Bard and the administratin can prvide tangible evidences f effective gvernance standards including, but nt limited t: Operatin in accrdance with the charter s by-laws A current grievance plicy A current cnflict f interest plicy Cmpliance with the Open Meetings Law Neptism Plicy Cmpliance with the Public Recrds Act Annual (mre frequently if required) review and update (thrugh reslutin) f plicies and prcedures t reflect current regulatry and statutry authrity A qurum f the bard meets n less than 8 times a year Minimum number f 7 members Open bard minutes f regularly scheduled meetings are available nline N third party rganizatins that prvide substantial services t the schl sit as a vting member n the charter schl bard. Des Nt Meet Standard: The Charter Schl Bard and the administratin cannt prvide tangible evidences f effective gvernance standards. 17

18 Evidence and Cmments 18

19 4b. Schl Leadership Accuntability Definitin: The central rle f the charter schl bard is t respnsibly ensure that the schl meets the bard s visin and missin. T that end, the bard must versee and hld accuntable the charter schl leader r the third party rganizatin it has cntracted with t carry ut these duties. Surce f Data: The Authrizer will verify bard cmpliance thrugh analysis f bard minutes, assurances f cmpliance, written perfrmance agreement with specific, measurable, and relevant gals, and bard plicies. Measure 4b Is the bard hlding schl leadership accuntable? The schl materially cmplies with applicable laws, rules, regulatins and prvisins f the charter agreement relating t versight f schl leadership, including but nt limited t: Annual tl t evaluating the perfrmance f schl leadership Annual tl t evaluate third party rganizatins Oversight f third party agreements that includes hlding the party accuntable fr perfrmance expectatins agreed t under a written perfrmance agreement Des Nt Meet Standard: The schl materially des nt cmply with applicable laws, rules, regulatins and prvisins f the charter agreement relating t versight f schl leadership. Evidence and Cmments 19

20 Indicatr 5: Facilities and Safe Schl Envirnment 5. Safe and Secure Schl Envirnment Definitin: An essential rle f the charter schl bard is t maintain a physically safe envirnment fr students and emplyees. T that end, the bard has a respnsibility t versee and establish plicies and prgrams t ensure students and emplyees are safe. Surce f Data: Assurance f cmpliance by the bard and peridic verificatin f cmpliance during site visits and reprting. Measure 5a Des the schl have plicies and prgrams that establish a safe and secure schl envirnment? The schl prvides adequate and apprpriately maintained facilities t supprt teaching and learning including, but nt limited t: Annual health and safety reviews cnducted in each building (i.e., Diabetes Care Plan) Evidence f fire inspectins and related recrds Viable certificate f ccupancy r ther required building use authrizatin (maximum number f ccupants stated in the building) Evidence f emergency plans Criminal Backgrund Checks Plicy Des Nt Meet Standard: The schl des nt prvide adequate and apprpriately maintained facilities t supprt teaching and learning. Evidence and Cmments 20

21 Indicatr 6: Reprting and Cmpliance 6. Federal and State Reprting Requirements Surce f Data: Assurance f cmpliance by the bard and peridic verificatin f statutry cmpliance thrugh site visits and reprting t DPI. Measure 6a Is the schl cmplying with federal and state reprting requirements? The schl cmplies with relevant reprting requirements t state and federal authrities, including but nt limited t: NC reprting deadlines and data quality requirements Enrllment reprts (i.e., Principal s Mnthly Reprt) The schl is meeting ther relevant cmpliance requirements, including but nt limited t: Charter agreement Staffing Meets statutry requirements fr licensed and certified teachers Insurance Lease Other Cmpliance dcuments Des Nt Meet Standard: The schl des nt cmply with relevant reprting requirements t state and federal authrities. Evidence and Cmments 21