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Discover the improved and nationally recognized APS charter school application process that ensures transparency, rigor, and equity in evaluating autonomous schools that meet the needs of the Aurora community.
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2019 APS New Charter School Application Cycle Office of Autonomous Schools Aurora Public Schools February 22, 2019
APS Superintendent Office of Autonomous Schools Executive Director Action Zone Charter School Office Manager of Charter School Support & Accountability Director of Instruction & Leadership Development Director of Charter Schools Director of Strategy & Innovation Director of Community Schools, Family Advocacy & Community Engagement
Aurora Public Schools’ (APS) charter school application process has made several improvements over the years to ensure it upholds a transparent, rigorous, and equitable standards to ensure it produces autonomous schools that adequately serve the needs of our community. The unique dynamics of Aurora, CO require a unique process in evaluating charter schools. The Office of Autonomous Schools (OAS) has developed the process according to nationally recognized best practices and ensure its integrity remains at high standards. The Board of Education will make a decision on complete charter applications during their Board Meeting in May/June. The Board will consider the OAS’ evaluation which is determined through a rigorous process involving a diverse reviewer pool composed of different stakeholders, capacity interview, and follow-up questions. The Superintendent will also provide his assessment of the likelihood that the school will be able to open on the identified time-frame and sustain operations. 2019 Cycle Overview
2019 Cycle Timeline May 1, 2019 February 6, 2019 April 15, 2019 March 8, 2019 Prior to Submission Prior to Submission Applicant Presentation & Interview with IART/CSAC Applicant Presentation to DAAC Letter of Intent Application Deadline APS Current Context & Landscape OAS New Charter School Applicant Orientation All applications will be formally accepted only on March 8, 2019. Applications may be submitted to the district during the week prior to March 8, but will not be formally accepted until March 8. Required. Learn about location of existing and approved schools, school capacity, enrollment data, demographics and school performance data. Applicant presents at the DAAC Meeting. Specific time/additional detail will be provided. Applicant to present to IART/CSAC followed by applicant interview. Charter School Applicants submit letter of intent to apply 30 days prior to the application due date. Required. Learn about APS processes and timelines around new charter school applications and what’s expected.
APS Board Meetings June 18, 2019 June 4, 2019 APS Board Meeting - Ruling APS Board Meeting - Informational BOE rules by resolution on the charter application for a charter school in a public hearing. Applicant presents to APS Board of Education. Application decision components are presented by APS staff to APS Board.
Who are the application reviewers? OAS The Office of Autonomous Schools performs the initial review for application completeness and is responsible for compiling final reviews. IART The Internal Application Review Team consists of various APS District content experts. These team members provide in-depth reviews within their areas of specialty. DAAC The District Accountability Advisory Committee is made up of community members and elected volunteers from outside APS and provide valuable insight into all areas of the application. CSAC The Charter School Advisory Committee was created in 2017 as a way to incorporate current APS charter and traditional school leaders in the review process as well as other external subject area experts.
Quality of Application Based on application scores and feedback through evaluations and capacity interviews. Applicant’s Impact Statement and research will also be highlighted. Information Presented to APS Board of Education APS Context & Landscape Same information presented to applicants regarding: -Locations of existing and approved schools -School capacity information -Enrollment data -Demographic Data -School Performance data District Impact Statement Superintendent’s Assessment Superintendent’s assessment of the school’s likelihood of being able to open and sustain operations. Statements indicating the likely impact of opening charter schools on: -Enrollment -Budget -District Support Staffing needed to support additional charter schools -Whether the application is proposing to offer an academic program that is new or different than other schools in the district or region.
Rubric Exceeds Criteria:The response reflects a thorough understanding of key issues and fully meets or exceeds these criteria. It addresses the topic with specific and accurate information that shows thorough preparation; presents a clear, realistic picture of how the school expects to operate; and inspires confidence in the applicant’s capacity to carry out the plan effectively. Examples or evidence are provided for all appropriate sections. Adequately Addresses Criteria:The response adequately addresses or meets an appropriate level of expectation for these criteria. Examples or evidence are provided for all appropriate sections if available. If examples or evidence are unavailable, a timeline to include or submit this information is stated in the application. Partially Addresses Criteria:The response adequately addresses or meets an appropriate level of expectation for these criteria. Examples or evidence are provided for all appropriate sections if available. If examples or evidence are unavailable, a timeline to include or submit this information is stated in the application. Does Not Address Criteria:The response is wholly undeveloped or significantly incomplete; demonstrates lack of preparation; or otherwise raises substantial concerns about the viability of the plan or the applicant’s ability to carry it out. No examples or evidence are provided.
Overall Final Scoring Reviewer View OAS View
The applicant will present 3 times during the course of the application cycle: • DAAC (45 min, 15 min Q&A) • IART/CSAC (60 min) • BOE (5-10 min) Interviews will take place following the presentation to IART/CSAC (90 min) Presentations & Interviews
A. Executive Summary B. Vision & Mission Statements C. Goals, Objectives & Pupil Performance Standards* D. Educational Program & Standards* E. Serving Exceptional and Educationally Disadvantaged Students* F. Student Discipline, Expulsion, or Suspension G. Plan for Evaluating Pupil Performance* H. Enrollment Policy and Outreach I. Governance* J. Evidence of Support* K. Parent & Community Involvement L. Budget & Finance* M. Facilities N.1. Transportation N.2. Food Service P. Insurance Coverage Q. Dispute Resolution Process R. Waivers S. School Management Contracts
Important Reminders... USE the application standards. YOUR review makes a difference. Use FACTS, not FEELINGS. Speak for your COMMUNITY. Review through a FAIR and EQUITABLE lens. ASK when you don’t know.
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