Appendices - Web viewThe school consistently analyzes individual student data and ... performance on a regular basis ... board’s review and approval of reports at regular

L OS A NGELES U NIFIED S CHOOL D ISTRICT INNOVATION AND CHARTER SCHOOLS DIVISION (ICSD)

CHARTER SCHOOL ANNUAL PERFORMANCE EVALUATION (REVISED 9-13-10)

Charter School Name: _____________________________ Local District: _______ Board District: _______

Address: ________________________________________ City: ________________ Phone: ______________

Number of Students: ___________ Grades: __________

Term of Charter: July 1, ___________ to June 30, ____________

Charter School’s Administrative Team: _________________________________________________________

Charter School’s Contact for Special Education: __________________________________________________

Visiting ICSD Member (s): ____________________________________________________________________

Lead ICSD Administrator: ____________________________________________________________________

Review Dates: ______________________________

LAUSD/INNOVATION AND CHARTER SCHOOLS DIVISION (ICSD) SCHOOL NAME: Charter School Annual Performance Evaluation (REVISED 9-13-10) DATE OF VISIT:

Table of ContentsStudent Performance Summary ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 2

Annual Performance Evaluation Summary...................................................................................................................................................................... 3

Appendix A: Readers’ Guide and Rubric........................................................................................................................................................................ 5

Appendix B: Performance Indicators............................................................................................................................................................................. 13

Appendix C: School Performance Evaluation Summary - Debriefing............................................................................................................................20

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Student Performance Summary My recommendation is that we consider adding in a standard section at the beginning of the reports that summarize student performance data. We should discuss this in more detail over the next week or so.

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Annual Performance Evaluation Summary

Quality Indicators Rubric(4) Accomplished (3) Proficient (2) Developing (1) Unsatisfactory

Rating

1. Student Achievement and Educational Performance – providing a sound education and demonstrating academic achievement for all students

Areas of particular strength: Areas in need of corrective action: Areas recommended for improvement: 2. Governance and Organizational Management – fulfilling its fiduciary responsibility and being effectively led and managed as a public school

Areas of particular strength: Areas in need of corrective action: Areas recommended for improvement: 3. Fiscal Operations – demonstrating sound management and use of public funds and meeting all regulatory requirements Areas of particular strength: Areas in need of corrective action: Areas recommended for improvement: 4. Fulfillment of the Charter – implementing the provisions of the Charter as approved by the LAUSD Board of Education Areas of particular strength: Areas in need of corrective action: Areas recommended for improvement:

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Other Comments: Sent to Governing Board President:Name : Title: Date:

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Appendix A: Readers’ Guide and Rubric

This document has been aligned with California State Board of Education criteria for evaluating charter schools. Information gathered during this evaluation process serves as part of the school’s overall record of performance, and provides important data for the ICSD, Superintendent, and LAUSD Board of Education in making informed decisions about charter school performance and the charter renewal process. This form provides guidelines and criteria used by the ICSD and charter schools to observe, record, evaluate, and reflect on school performance in these four areas:

Student Achievement and Educational Performance – provides a sound education and demonstrates academic achievement for all students Governance and Organizational Management – being effectively led and managed as a public school, and overseen by a governing board

that fulfills its fiduciary duty Fiscal Operations – demonstrating sound management and use of public funds and meeting all regulatory requirements Fulfillment of the Charter – implementing the provisions of the Charter as approved by LAUSD’s Board of Education

Quality Indicators Rubric

This four-point scale will be used to rate each category: (4) Accomplished (3) Proficient (2) Developing (1) Unsatisfactory

Schools that earn a rating of (4) Accomplished will be asked to submit a summary of a promising practice, a practice that the school believes has contributed to its success. Accomplished schools’ contributions to ICSD’s library of promising practices will serve as a means to improve the learning opportunities for all LAUSD students.

RATINGS ARE BASED ON INFORMATION AVAILABLE AT THE TIME OF THE REPORT

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Criteria 1: Student Achievement and Educational Performance

A school that meets all of the criteria below would be assessed as Accomplished.

The school consistently meets AYP criteria for all subgroups. Historically, the school-wide API exceeds 800 and the majority of students

score Proficient or Advanced on all CST/STAR tests. The school consistently analyzes individual student data and implements

effective intervention/differentiation strategies to address the learning needs of all students.

The school identifies and reclassifies English learners in a timely manner and reclassifies at a rate at least equal to District averages and consistent with applicable District and State reporting policies.

The school effectively tracks all students’ progress to measure their individual growth towards proficiency.

The school sets and achieves measurable program goals based on content standards. The school has clearly observable high quality instructional methods, materials, and professional development that lead to measurable improved student learning outcomes.

CAHSEE passage rate and graduation rate significantly exceed the state average

A school that meets all of the criteria below would be assessed as Proficient.

The school meets AYP criteria for most subgroups. The school-wide API indicates that school is on target to meet or exceed an API

of 800. The majority of students score Proficient or Advanced on all CST/STAR tests.

In most aspects the school consistently analyzes individual student data and implements effective intervention/differentiation strategies to address the learning needs of all students.

The school identifies and reclassifies English learners in a timely manner and reclassifies at a rate near District averages consistent with applicable District and State reporting policies.

The school effectively tracks most students’ progress to measure their individual growth towards proficiency.

The school sets and achieves most of its measurable program goals based on content standards. The school has clearly observable quality instructional methods, materials, and professional development that lead to measurable improved student learning outcomes

CAHSEE passage rate and graduation rate meet or exceed the state average

A school that meets all of the criteria below would be assessed as Developing.

The school does not consistently meet AYP criteria for all subgroups. The school-wide API falls below the median of similar schools and significant

numbers of students score Basic, Below Basic and Far Below Basic on all CST/STAR tests.

The school rarely implements effective strategies in response to individual student data analysis.

The school shows limited evidence of timely identification and reclassification of English learners.

The school does some tracking of students’ progress to measure their individual growth towards proficiency.

There is limited evidence that the school sets and achieves measurable program goals based on content standards. The school has some quality instructional methods, materials, and professional development that lead to improved student learning outcomes.

CAHSEE passage rate and graduation rate do not meet the state average

A school that meets all of the criteria below would be assessed as Unsatisfactory.

The school rarely meets AYP criteria for all subgroups. The school-wide API falls below the median of similar schools and the majority

of students score Below Basic and Far Below Basic on all CST/STAR tests. The school provides little evidence that it implements effective strategies in

response to individual student data analysis. The school does not identify and reclassify English learners in a timely manner. The school does not effectively track students’ progress to measure their

individual growth towards proficiency. The school does not set measurable program goals based on content standards.

The school lacks quality instructional methods, materials, and professional development and there is limited evidence that they lead to improved student learning outcomes.

CAHSEE passage rate and graduation rate are far below the state average

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Criteria 2: Governance and Organizational Management

A school that meets all of the criteria below would be assessed as Accomplished.

There is clear, strong evidence that the charter school governance always adheres to and follows a fully adopted set of policies that are transparent and focused on student health and welfare and student achievement.

There is clear, strong evidence that the governing board regularly monitors academic, operational, and fiscal policies and practices.

There is clear, strong evidence that the governing board has a cogent understanding of, and compliance with, the laws that govern charter schools, including the Brown Act, and conducts its Board meetings in an effective manner in adherence to the charter.

It is clearly evident that an effective stakeholder communication system is established and maintained to ensure resolution of concerns, as well as encourage public comment and participation.

There is clear, strong evidence that the governing board and organizational management always maintain 100% appropriately credentialed staff to provide the educational program and support services and to operate the facility in accordance with the charter and any applicable requirements of laws.

There is clear, strong evidence that the governing board and organizational management always maintain current DOJ and Mantoux/TB clearances and obtains the appropriate clearances prior to employment with the school/organization.

There is clear, strong evidence that the governing board always adheres to the operational agreements, contracts, and Memoranda of Understandings that have been established with LAUSD.

The governance structure clearly reflects the governance structure described in the approved charter.

The role of the ex officio LAUSD representative to the board is fully understood and honored

A school that meets all of the criteria below would be assessed as Proficient.

There is significant evidence that the charter school governance consistently adheres to and follows a fully adopted set of policies that are transparent and focused on student health and welfare and student achievement.

There is significant evidence that the governing board regularly monitors academic, operational, and fiscal policies and practices.

There is significant evidence that the governing board has a cogent understanding of, and compliance with, the applicable laws that govern charter schools, including the Brown Act, and conducts its Board meetings in an effective manner in adherence to the charter.

There is significant evidence that an effective stakeholder communication system is established and maintained to ensure resolution of concerns, as well as encourage public comment and participation.

There is significant evidence that the school primarily maintains the appropriately credentialed staff to provide the educational program and support services and to operate the facility in accordance with the charter and any applicable requirements of laws.

There is significant evidence that the governing board and organizational management primarily maintain current DOJ and TB clearances and obtains the appropriate clearances prior to employment with the school/organization.

There is significant evidence that the governing board primarily adheres to the operational agreements, contracts, and Memoranda of Understandings that have been established with LAUSD.

The governance structure mostly reflects the governance structure described in the approved charter.

The role of the ex officio LAUSD representative to the board is mostly understood and honored

A school that meets all of the criteria below would be assessed as Developing.

There is partial evidence that the charter school governance adheres to or follows a fully adopted set of policies that are transparent and focused on student health and welfare and student achievement.

There is partial evidence that the governing board monitors academic, operational, and fiscal policies and practices.

The governing board has a partial understanding of, and compliance with, the laws that govern charter schools, including the Brown Act, and there is some evidence that the Board meetings are conducted in an effective manner in

A school that meets all of the criteria below would be assessed as Unsatisfactory.* A school with any staff that does not have a DOJ clearance cannot receive a score under these criteria greater than 1.

The charter school governance does not adhere to or follow its adopted set of policies on student health and welfare and student achievement.

The governing board does not regularly monitor academic, operational, and fiscal policies and practices.

The governing board has a limited understanding of, and compliance with, the laws that govern charter schools, including the Brown Act. There is limited

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adherence to the charter.

Stakeholder communication systems are not fully established and implemented to ensure resolution of concerns, as well as encourage public comment and participation.

There is evidence that the school partially maintains the appropriately credentialed staff to provide the educational program and support services and to operate the facility in accordance with the charter and any applicable requirements of laws.

Evidence suggests that governing board and organizational management partially maintain current DOJ and TB clearances and partially obtains the appropriate clearances prior to employment with the school/organization.

The evidence indicates that the governing board partially adheres to the operational agreements, contracts, and Memoranda of Understanding that have been established with LAUSD.

The governance structure partially reflects the governance structure described in the approved charter.

The role of the ex officio LAUSD representative to the board is partially understood and honored

evidence which supports that the Board meetings are conducted in an effective manner in adherence to the charter.

There is no effective mechanism for resolving stakeholder complaints to ensure resolution of concerns, as well as encourage public comment and participation.

There is evidence that the school does not maintain the appropriately credentialed staff to provide the educational program and support services and to operate the facility in accordance with the charter and any applicable requirements of laws.

Evidence suggests that governing board and organizational management do not maintain current DOJ and TB clearances and the appropriate clearances prior to employment with the school/organization are not obtained.

The evidence indicates that the governing board does not adhere to the operational agreements, contracts, and Memoranda of Understanding that have been established.

The governance structure does not reflect the governance structure described in the approved charter.

The role of the ex officio LAUSD representative to the board is not understood and honored

Criteria 3: Fiscal Operations

A school that meets all of the criteria below would be assessed as Accomplished. A school that meets all of the criteria below would be assessed as Developing.

Existing Schools:An existing school is one that has at least one annual audit on file with the Charter Schools Division

Net Assets are positive and exceed 4% or more of the prior year’s audited expenses

Ending cash reserve exceeds 4% or more of prior audited expenses No prior or current audit shows material weaknesses and findings All financial ratios are within acceptable ranges Enrollment is stable and/or growing at a manageable rate No confirmed complaints from vendors or staff regarding late payments or

failure to pay Note: Other circumstances can influence the designation of fiscally sound and

will be noted in the evaluation.


Net Assets are positive up to 3% of the prior year’s audited expenses Have a cash reserve up to 4% of prior year audited expenses Audit shows current and prior material weaknesses and may show findings

with implementation plans Only the liquidity and capitalization financial ratios are within acceptable

ranges Enrollment may not be stable and/or growth may not be manageable Some confirmed complaints from vendors regarding late payments or failure

to pay but resolved within 3 days from the day Innovation and Charter Schools Division contacted the school. There are complaints about payroll payments.

Note: Other circumstances can influence the designation of fiscally sound and will be noted in the evaluation.

New Schools:A new school is one that does not have an audit on file with the Charter Schools

New Schools:A new school is one that does not have an audit on file with the Charter Schools

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Division

Enrollment is approximately what was estimated on the funding survey If below the funding survey the school has made adjustments in their

operations to allow for the reduced income Projected debt is minimal through the use of grants Interim reports and unaudited actuals project:

a. Reserves are adequate, over 4% or more of estimated expensesb. Expenses and receipts within budget

Key ratios are within acceptable ranges

Note: For a new school the determination is more subjective because there is no audit. Key items, other than those listed above, used in the determination of fiscal soundness, will be listed. Other circumstances can influence the designation of fiscally sound and will be noted in the evaluation.

Division Enrollment is approximately what was estimated in the funding survey,

within 25% If below the funding survey the school is determining what adjustments to

make in their operations to allow for the reduced income Projected debt is of sufficient size (10% of expenses) that it must be

monitored by using the regular reporting process Interim reports and unaudited actuals project:

a. Reserves are below, 1% or up to 3%of estimated expensesb. Expenses and receipts are not within budget, both above and below

Some key ratios are within acceptable ranges

Note: For a new school the determination is based on evidence available because there is no audit. Key items, other than those listed above, used in the determination of fiscal soundness, will be listed. Other circumstances can influence the designation of fiscally sound and will be noted in the evaluation.

The board will insure that GAAP standards are met. The board will adopt and insure the implementation of a fiscal procedures handbook. The board minutes reflect the review, analysis, and discussion of financial reports at regular board meetings. The minutes will reflect the board’s acceptance and approval of the reports. The minutes will reflect discussion on fiscal strengths and weaknesses. The reports will include balance sheet, income statement, cash flow, budget to actual (current), projection to the end of the fiscal year. This analysis will include the payment of all the payroll obligations. In addition, the Board will review, discuss and analyze the reports submitted to LAUSD. Those reports include first interim, second interim, unaudited actual, and the preliminary budget. The board will insure that the reports to the Federal Government, State Government, and LAUSD are submitted on time. The board will receive, review, and analyze the required annual audit. At least quarterly, the Board will review, discuss, and adopt the long-range financial plan for the school. The long-range plan will cover the current year and the coming two years. The format will be the same as the three year projected in the original/renewal petition. The minutes will reflect that the board will review the cash balances discuss the investments and bank balances.

Board review, analysis, and discussion are done inconsistently. Acceptance and approval of the reports are not reflected in the minutes. The minutes do not consistently reflect board involvement.

A school that meets all of the criteria below would be assessed as Proficient A school that meets all of the criteria below would be assessed as Unsatisfactory

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Net Assets are positive and exceed 3% and up to 4% of the prior year’s audited expenses

Ending cash reserve exceeds 3% and up to 4% of prior audited expenses Audit shows no current year material weaknesses and findings and prior year

findings are resolved to the satisfaction of LAUSD Most financial ratios are within acceptable ranges. Three of the four key

ratios are within acceptable ranges Enrollment is stable and/or growing at a manageable rate Confirmed complaints from vendors or staff regarding late payments or

failure to pay but resolved within two days from the day contacted the school

Note: Other circumstances can influence the designation of fiscally sound and will be noted in the evaluation


Net Assets are negative in two consecutive years Has zero cash or shows negative cash balance Prior and current year audit shows material weaknesses and findings are

unresolved All financial ratios are not acceptable Enrollment is declining/not stable and has negative impact on revenue Confirmed complaints from vendors regarding late payments or failure to pay.

There are confirmed complaints about payroll payments.

Note: Other circumstances can influence the designation of fiscally sound and will be noted in the evaluation

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New Schools:A new school is one that does not have an audit on file with the Charter Schools Division

Enrollment is approximately what was estimated on the funding survey If below the funding survey the school has made adjustments in their

operations to allow for the reduced income Projected debt is minimal and the school has been awarded with grants Interim reports and unaudited actuals project:

o Reserves are adequate, 3% - up to 4% of estimated expenseso Expenses and receipts within budget

Three of the four key ratios are within acceptable ranges


The board will insure that GAAP standards are met. The board will adopt and insure the implementation of a fiscal procedures handbook. The board minutes reflect the review, analysis, and discussion of financial reports at regular board meetings. The minutes will reflect the board’s acceptance and approval of the reports. The minutes will reflect discussion on fiscal strengths and weaknesses. The reports will include balance sheet, income statement, cash flow, budget to actual (current), projection to the end of the fiscal year. This analysis will include the payment of all the payroll obligations. In addition the Board will review, discuss and analyze the reports submitted to LAUSD. Those reports include first interim, second interim, unaudited actual, and the preliminary budget. The board will insure that the reports to the Federal Government, State Government, and LAUSD are submitted on time. The board will receive, review, and analyze the required annual audit. The minutes will reflect that the board will review the cash balances discuss the investments and bank balances.

New Schools:A new school is one that does not have an audit on file with the Charter Schools Division

Enrollment is approximately 35% less than what was estimated on the funding survey

If below the funding survey the school has made no significant adjustments in their operations to allow for the reduced income

Projected debt will cause the charter school to end the fiscal year with negative net assets. The non-profit may not be financially viable to support the school.

Interim reports and unaudited actuals project:c. Negative net assetsd. Expenses more than receiptse. Projected expenses and receipts have significant variance from

budget Key financial ratios are not acceptable


Board fiscal review, analysis, and discussion are not done. The minutes do not reflect board involvement.

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Criteria 4: Fulfillment of Charter

A school that meets all of the criteria below would be assessed as Accomplished

All terms of the charter are implemented and any changes have been appropriately approved.

The instructional program outlined in the charter is clearly evident. High student achievement has resulted from the consistent implementation of the charter.

There is clear evidence of unique or innovative features described in the charter and their positive impact on student achievement can be documented.

All stakeholders have access to the charter document, indicators of success, and performance targets.

The school allocates resources in a manner consistent with the charter that clearly results in improved student achievement.

A school that meets all of the criteria below would be assessed as Proficient

Most terms of the charter are implemented and any changes have been appropriately approved.

The instructional program outlined in the charter is evident. Significant student achievement has resulted from the consistent implementation of the charter.

There is evidence of unique or innovative features described in the charter and their positive impact on student achievement can be documented.

Most stakeholders have access to the charter document, indicators of success, and performance targets.

The school allocates resources in a manner consistent with the charter but there is no clear evidence of improved student achievement.

A school that meets all of the criteria below would be assessed as Developing

Some terms of the charter are implemented and any changes have been appropriately approved.

The instructional program outlined in the charter is partially evident. Limited student achievement has resulted from the implementation of the charter.

There is limited evidence of unique or innovative features described in the charter and their positive impact on student achievement.

Few stakeholders have access to the charter document, indicators of success, and performance targets.

There is limited evidence that the school allocates resources in a manner consistent with the charter which results in improved student achievement.

A school that meets all of the criteria below would be assessed as Unsatisfactory

Few, if any, terms of the charter are implemented and changes have not been appropriately approved.

The instructional program outlined in the charter is not evident. Minimal student achievement has resulted from the implementation of the charter.

There is minimal evidence of unique or innovative features described in the charter and their positive impact on student achievement.

No stakeholders appear to have consistent access to the charter document, indicators of success, and performance targets.

There is minimal evidence that the school allocates resources in a manner consistent with the charter which results in improved student achievement.

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Appendix B: Performance Indicators

Below you will find a series of performance indicators that the ICSD relies upon in determining the school’s score in the four areas of Student Achievement and Educational Performance; Governance and Organizational Management; Fiscal Operations; and Fulfillment of the Charter using a four-point scale.

CATEGORY 1: STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT and EDUCATIONAL PERFORMANCE1.1 Educational Performance The charter school has clear, measurable outcomes and data that support how well students are doing in meeting outcomes.Verify the charter school has clearly measurable outcomes and data that support how well students are doing in meeting outcomes. Evaluate: the school’s STAR results and how these compare with the state averages whether the school is showing improvement on STAR results

whether the school is meeting Annual Yearly Progress as defined by NCLB

whether the progress of CDE designated subgroups, especially special education, English Learners, or socially-economically disadvantaged students, demonstrates a closing of the achievement gap

the school’s CAHSEE results and how they compare with the state average (HIGH SCHOOLS ONLY) other quantitative data such as graduation rate, A-G completion, etc.

Verify the charter school is appropriately identifying, serving and re-classifying English learners, special education students, and below grade-level students. Evaluate:

whether English learners are redesignated at rates comparabale to, or better than, District schools.Verify that student achievement data is regularly reported to staff and parents, including the progress for students receiving special education services. School provides documentation/evidence of how information is shared with students and families.1.2 Instructional Methods, Materials, and Professional Development. The charter school shall have sufficient instructional methods, materials, and professional development necessary for the faculty and staff to implement the curricular and instructional program.Verify that the charter school is following the curricular and instructional programs described in its approved charter by visiting classrooms; observing instruction; engaging in informal conversation with faculty, staff, students (as appropriate), and parents/guardians; and reviewing samples of student work. In particular, verify that the school: provides an appropriate, broad range of learning opportunities which will enable students to have individual learning needs met has standards-based curriculum aligned to the school’s mission provides adequate materials to supply all students

Evaluate the quality of teaching and its impact by the extent to which teachers: adapt their teaching styles to ensure that all students have access to appropriate grade-level standards have effective strategies for engaging students in challenging content set clear learning objectives that are evident during instruction establish classroom environments that enhance learning use time well to support instruction

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use support staff and other resources effectively use technology to support learning are consistent and effective in implementing behavior management strategies

Evaluate the extent to which students are: asking questions, finding answers, and solving problems while participating in activities and projects that enhance understanding communicating information and ideas in various ways utilizing prior knowledge reviewing and modifying their work such as revising and editing their writing concentrating and remaining on task during lessons working well together and collaborating effectively, when appropriate

Using relevant documentation, evaluate the quality of professional development opportunities in curriculum and instruction, special education, and English Language Development. Review: professional development plans for teachers and staff new teacher support policies and practices including, but not limited to, induction1.3 Special Education The charter school shall actively identify students who may have exceptional needs, assess them promptly, and develop Individualized Education ProgramsVerify that the charter school: actively identifies students who may have exceptional needs, assesses them promptly, and develops IEPs, as necessary, in a timely manner, including “search and find”

processes provides Special Education programs and services in accordance with students’ IEPs provides Special Education training for staff, in accordance with requirements of the Modified Consent Decree has completed the Special Education Self-Review Checklist in a manner that is consistent with what is observed

CATEGORY 2: GOVERNANCE and ORGANIZATIONAL MANAGEMENT2.1 Governing Board Establishment and Organization The charter school’s governing board shall be established and maintained in accordance with law and with the charter (to the extent the charter does not conflict with law).The school can readily provide: corporate papers, including articles of incorporation board-approved bylaws current list of governing board members, offices held, terms of office, and contact information.2.2 Governing Board Activities The charter school’s governing board shall maintain active and effective control of the charter school. The governing board shall meet regularly and its meetings shall be held in accordance with applicable provisions of law, including, but not limited to, the appropriate recording of all actions taken.Verify that the charter school’s governing board is meeting regularly and that its meetings are held in accordance with applicable provisions of law, including, but not limited to, the appropriate recording of all actions taken. The board complies with all legal responsibilities and charter mandates, provides active support for the school’s mission, offers sound fiduciary guidance, and initiates and/or reviews and adopts policies that contribute to the sustainability of the school. governing board meetings occur with the same frequency as stated in the charter

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board agendas are posted publically in accordance with the Brown Act board meeting minutes are maintained in accordance with the Brown Act board meetings are conducted in accordance with the Brown ActReview the activities of the governing board and verify that the governing board has maintained active and effective control of the charter school. The following are examples of evidence to be provided by the school/board that may indicate the governing board is active and effective. Members: are diverse, committed, and representative and their actions enhance the credibility of the school have adequate skills and expertise understand and execute their fiduciary role in ensuring the school is fulfilling the terms of the charter, in determining the direction of the school, and in supporting the

school’s progress towards meeting its goals annually evaluate the professional performance of the school leader are accessible and provide for the exchange of ideas by soliciting expressions of candid opinions from all members of the school community review the school’s academic achievement results and progress on a regular basis and provide advisement, guidance, and resources as needed review the school’s operational performance on a regular basis and provide advisement, guidance, and resources as needed review the school’s finances on a regular basis and provide advisement, guidance, and resources as needed

hold the school staff accountable for fulfilling the terms of its charter conduct ongoing assessment and evaluation of its own effectiveness in providing adequate school oversight, and pursue opportunities for further governance training and

development.2.3 Family, Faculty, and Staff Participation The charter school shall have a process in place that ensures that families, faculty, and staff may provide input regarding the charter school’s effectiveness in such areas as student discipline, parent/guardian involvement, and the motivation of students to high academic achievement and good citizenship.Verify evidence of participation and/or engage in informal conversation with faculty and staff, students (as appropriate), and parents/guardians regarding the charter school’s effectiveness in such areas as student discipline, parent/guardian involvement, and the motivation of students to high academic achievement and good citizenship. Examples of evidence may include the extent to which: parents/guardians/students are satisfied with what the school provides and achieves the school provides documentation of stakeholder satisfaction surveys the school provides evidence that parents are provided with timely notification and access to board meetings. parents/guardians/students are given accessible and relevant information about student progress parents/guardians/students are given accessible and relevant information about the school’s overall academic performance parents are provided with meaningful opportunities for involvement

the school has developed links with community resources that benefit students and their families

teachers and staff have a clear role in school governance

If the charter school serves high school students, school provides evidence that parents are informed about transferability of courses to other public high schools and the eligibility of courses to meet college entrance requirements.

2.4 Human Resources Administration The charter school shall have sufficient faculty and staff to provide the educational program and support services and operate the facility in accordance with the charter, any applicable requirements of law, and the policies and directions of the charter school’s governing board.

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Verify the charter school’s governing board has employed necessary administrative staff and vested those staff with the authority necessary to operate the school in accordance with the charter. Examples of evidence may include the following: Human resources policies and procedures are established and followed

staff has current job descriptions delineating roles, responsibilities, and qualifications

performance evaluations are conducted according to established policy

Verify that the charter school has employed and maintains sufficient faculty and staff to provide the educational program and support services and operate the facility in accordance with the charter, any applicable requirements of law, and the policies and directives of the charter school’s governing board. (Refer to staff roster and master schedule.)Verify that the faculty and staff are credentialed or otherwise qualified for the positions for which they have been employed in accordance with the charter, any applicable provisions of law, and the policies and directives of the charter school’s governing board.Verify that the faculty and staff have received any clearances necessary for the positions for which they have been employed.Verify that faculty and staff have received any specific training required by law or by the policies and directives of the charter school’s governing board.Verify appropriate parent notification of NCLB non-compliant teachers, if applicable.

Verify appropriate parent notification of Title I “Right to Know” teacher qualifications were provided to parents of all students.

2.5 Leadership and Management The charter school’s governing board shall ensure that the academic, organizational, and operational aspects of leadership and management at the school are met.Review and evaluate the leadership and management of the school to ensure that the following aspects are met: school leader has a strategic view of the direction for the work and development of the school in order to achieve the school’s mission

regular monitoring and evaluation of the impact of teaching on student learning occurs

data are analyzed effectively to inform planning and organization

the school has appropriate priorities and targets, and these are regularly reviewed and monitored for impact on student learning and school development

the leadership inspires and supports a shared commitment to improvement and the capacity to succeed

The school’s operations are non-sectarian, the admissions requirements are non-discriminatory, and the school does not charge tuition or its equivalent such as fees for required course materials or curricular field trips.The school publishes and/or implements policies and regulations regarding the following:

conflict of interest

handbooks–parent, student, employee

student discipline and due process

employee discipline and due process

parent complaint resolution and due process

non-harassment of students and staff

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immunization and tuberculosis records

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act policy and notices

Section 504 compliance

timely compliance with the Modified Consent Decree as evidenced by MCD progress reports and required data submissions (SESAC, Suspension Reports)

2.6 Learning Environment The school site is well-maintained and ensures the health and safety of students and staff.Verify the school has established and maintains emergency preparedness and safety measures.Verify the school has secured the appropriate certificates and permits. (DOES NOT APPLY TO CO-LOCATIONS ON LAUSD PROPERTY)

Verify the school has made appropriate provisions for health and safety in common areas such as classrooms, restrooms, eating and recreation areas, and exterior spaces.

CATEGORY 3: FISCAL OPERATIONSSite Visit for:

Evaluator:

Date:

3.1 Fiscal Soundness - Determining the fiscal soundness of the charter schoolExisting School – a charter school that has at least one annual audit on file with the Charter Schools DivisionNew School – one that does not have an audit on file with the Charter Schools DivisionAt the visit the charter school provides the following reports

Most current month Balance Sheet Most current Income Statement (Statement of Activities) Most current Cash flow – to end of current fiscal year and through next two fiscal years showing detailed sources of revenue and detailed expenditure lines Minutes of meetings when financial reports are presented to the board

At the visit the evaluator provides the following: Financial ratios and analyses Any confirmed complaints from vendors regarding late/non payments of debts Any reports from staff of late submission of required reports

CriteriaExisting Schools

1. Based on current audit, evaluation of ratio of Net Assets to Total Expense2. Based on current audit, evaluation of ratio of Total Cash to Total Expense3. Current audit findings and material weaknesses4. Results of prior/current year financial ratios5. Enrollment trends from approval of the charter

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6. ADA trends from approval of the charter7. Any confirmed complaints from vendors regarding late/non payments of debts8. Any reports from staff of late submission of required reports

New Schools1. Compare current enrollment count with the projection in the funding survey2. Current total debt3. Current grant awards/other revenue4. Based on Interim reports/Unaudited Actuals, ratio of Total Cash to Total Projected Expense5. Expense and Receipts compared to Budget6. Results of current year financial ratios7. Any confirmed complaints from vendors regarding late/non payments of debts8. Any reports from staff of late submission of required reports

3.2 Budget: Capacity of the charter school board to monitor the fiscal position of the charter school. Determination is made based on the minutes of the board meeting.Criteria

1. The board adopts and approves a fiscal procedures handbook. Approved board policies are in place to monitor the implementation of the fiscal procedures.2. Minutes of the board meeting records the board’s review and approval of reports at regular board meetings. Fiscal reports include balance, income statement and cash

flow.3. Minutes reflect board’s receipt, review and approval of the reports submitted to LAUSD. These are reports are preliminary budget, first interim, second interim,

unaudited actuals,4. Minutes reflect review and adoption of a budget plan for the school. The budget plan will cover the current year and the two coming years.5. Minutes reflect discussion and resolution of complaints receive from vendors or staff6. Minutes reflect selection of the audit firm7. Minutes reflect discussion and resolution of audit exceptions and deficiencies are resolved to the satisfaction of LAUSD

CATEGORY 4: FULFILLMENT OF THE CHARTER4.1 Adherence to the Charter Adherence to the approved charter elements shall be verified by site visits and interviews with teachers, students, parents, and/or administrators.Verify the school’s aims and values as documented in its approved charter are reflected in all the school’s work.4.2 Material Amendments The charter school has ensured that any variances, except for those variances deemed to be immaterial, were approved by charter amendment.Verify that any variances from charter terms as described in the charter elements, except for those variances deemed to be immaterial, have been appropriately approved by charter amendment in areas including, but not limited to, the educational program, school site location and/or new sites, governance, or grades served.

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Appendix C: School Performance Evaluation Summary - Debriefing

NOTE: These preliminary ratings and findings are based on information from today’s visit. Ratings are subject to change in the final report as additional information becomes available.

Quality Indicators Rubric(4) Accomplished (3) Proficient (2) Developing (1) Unsatisfactory

Rating

1. Student Achievement and Educational Performance – providing a sound education and demonstrating academic achievement for all students

Areas of particular strength: Areas in need of corrective action: Areas recommended for improvement:Elements program has been implemented2. Governance and Organizational Management – fulfilling its fiduciary responsibility and being effectively led and managed as a public school

Areas of particular strength: Areas in need of corrective action: Areas recommended for improvement: 3. Fiscal Operations – demonstrating sound management and use of public funds and meeting all regulatory requirements Areas of particular strength: Areas in need of corrective action: Areas recommended for improvement: 4. Fulfillment of the Charter – implementing the provisions of the Charter as approved by the LAUSD Board of Education Areas of particular strength:

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Areas in need of corrective action: Areas recommended for improvement: Other Comments: Sent to Governing Board President:Name : Title: Date:

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Documents

Appendices - Web viewThe school consistently analyzes individual student data and ... performance on a regular basis ... board’s review and approval of reports at regular