November 1999 Workbook Explores Charter School Development
Charter school founders, developers, and trainers will find a valuable resource in Charter Starters: 1999 Leadership Training Academy Workbook, a new publication from NWREL that compiles information and tips in all areas of charter school development.
"Each module outlines goals, describes core issues, and contains a number of useful tools — such as sample forms and policies — for that particular topic." The workbook stemmed from the Model Leadership Training Program for charter school founders and leaders that is being developed by NWREL through a three-year contract with the U.S. Department of Education. The Laboratory recently received funding from the Department to continue the program’s third year. Last summer, for the second consecutive year, training culminated in the Charter School Leadership Training Academy held in Portland. The materials that were used in the training sessions make up the bulk of this workbook.
Although originally designed as training materials for a five-day academy, each of the workbook’s five modules makes a useful stand-alone resource. When used as a whole, the workbook covers the core content areas that charter schools must address. Following are the five modules and the key areas they encompass:
Each module outlines goals, describes core issues, and contains a number of useful tools — such as sample forms and policies — for that particular topic. Suggested activities help readers work through ideas and find solutions to common problems. Detailed checklists keep track of what has been accomplished and what work remains to be done. And both print and Internet resources tell readers where to find more information on specific topics.
- Start-up logistics — drafting a charter, creating a vision and mission, developing a core founding group, accessing expert information, navigating the application process, acquiring a facility, allocating resources, establishing a legal entity, and contracting for services
- Regulatory issues — special education requirements, civil rights regulations, federal and state laws and regulations, and requirements for parent involvement
- Assessment and accountability — academic accountability, fiscal accountability, public/parental accountability, rule compliance, assessment and evaluation, financial management, developing a business plan, and connecting your vision and mission with assessment and accountability
- Governance and management — creating an organizational structure, establishing strong leadership, handling personnel issues, developing internal policies, creating a board and board bylaws, managing growth, and dealing with liability issues
- Community relations — coordinating public relations, marketing the school, and dealing with controversy
Laboratory staff can provide assistance in using the workbook to develop training sessions and in finding appropriate trainers for specific sessions. For more information, contact NWREL’s Rural Education Program by phone at (503) 275-0755 or 1-800-547-6339, ext. 494.
The workbook materials are a collection of loose-leaf, three-hole punched papers with cover pages for the separate modules; a binder is not included. To order a copy of Charter Starters: 1999 Leadership Training Academy Workbook, please see the Document Order Form or go to the online catalog.
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