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What is a Charter School?. An independent public school that operates with freedom from many regulations applying to traditional public schools. Charter schools tend to have more control over: personnel, curriculum, budget, discipline, and length of the school day.
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What is a Charter School? • An independent public school that operates with freedom from many regulations applying to traditional public schools. • Charter schools tend to have more control over: personnel, curriculum, budget, discipline, and length of the school day. • Designed & operated in an entrepreneurial spirit by a group of founders that can include parents, educators, and business/ community leaders.
What is a Charter School? • Charter schools are held to higher standards than most publics, as they must not only meet NYS Board of Regents requirements, but those of its own performance contract (charter). • If a charter school does not perform academically, its charter can be revoked • Charter schools are free for students to attend, although, in New York State, they receive only about 70% the funds allocated to traditional public schools.
Dispelling Charter Myths • “Teachers are paid less at charter schools.” • NO. Longer school days and years mean that CSAT’s teachers are paid more than their public school counterparts. • “Charter teachers don’t have rights.” • NO. By law, charter schools of a particular size must give teachers the choice to unionize or not. CSAT’s teachers have been unionized (NYSUT) since Day One.
About CSAT • Our Mission Statement: • CSAT is a professional learning community dedicated to providing educational excellence for all students with an emphasis on developing those skills necessary for success in the “world of work.” • All students, whether theyattend college or not, have tobe prepared to succeed in the workplace. • CSAT is free to attend & is not a vocational trade school.
About CSAT • Largest of New York State’s 200 charter schools (1,610 students). • The only state charter school outside of NYC to offer a comprehensive K-12 education. • Named a “School in Good Standing” by the NYS Ed. Dept. (its highest ranking) 8 years in a row. • One of 226 “rapidly improving schools” throughout the state.
About CSAT • CSAT’s campus consists of three distinct school buildings: • Elementary School (K-6): 950 Students. • Middle School (7-8): 250 Students. • High School (9-12): 410 Students. • CSAT is a “school of choice,” meaning parents have chosen to send their child(ren) to the school.
About CSAT • The student body represents 16 different school districts throughout WNY. • Nearly 90% from Buffalo Schools • 7% from Kenmore-Tonawanda • CSAT’s student body is diverse: • 41% White • 41% Black • 16% Hispanic
CSAT is Different! • Longer school day (7.5 hours) & year (191 days). • Dress code. • Spanish instruction in all grades. • Strict student behavior standards. • Computers in every classroom. • Growing music & athletic programs. • Career preparation begins in kindergarten.
CSAT is Different! • ESL teachers for students as needed. • Speech/Language Pathologists. • Special Education teachers for every grade level. • Occupational and Physical Therapists. • School Counselors at all three buildings. • A caring group of teachers & staff!
CSAT Teachers Are Different! Thrown by a futureCSAT teacher!
Our Teachers’ Qualities • We look for teachers who are: • Skilled, Talented & Knowledgeable • Professional • Responsible • Entrepreneurial • Results-Driven • Passionate • About teaching & making a difference • Team Players • Diverse Thinkers • Role Models • Leaders
We Want You to Grow • Teachers receive several professional developments (PDs) throughout the year. • Peer collaboration is strongly encouraged. • Teachers have an opportunity to research / utilize the most current and effective pedagogical strategies and techniques.
We Want You to Succeed! • Teachers work as teams. • Grade level/subject area teams collaborate to plan & create common assessments. • K-6 teams have two commonplanning periods each day. • Administration works closely with teams to ensure both student &professional growth.
What Do Staff Members Say? • “I love the opportunity to integrate technologyinto my classes.” • “I like it here because our teachers are energetic, dedicated, supportive and student oriented.” • “Administration is responsive and receptive to the needs of teachers and students.” • “I feel needed and that my commitment and work is appreciated. And that’s what it’s all about!”
So, Are You aCharter School Teacher? For more information: www.csat-k12.org Email: HR@csat-k12.org