Copy

Oregon Charter School News Weekly

A bi-weekly newsletter of Charter School happenings
around Oregon and the Nation.

This week in the Capitol

Of note, this week ORC3S held our annual Legislative Advocacy Day. Charter School advocates from across Oregon joined together to meet with legislators and discuss issues of importance to public charter schools and the ORC3S 2021 Legislative Priorities! All around great meetings with new legislators and long time champions. 

It was fortuitous that we held our Advocacy Days on the same day that the Legislative Ways and Means committee voted to fund the state school fund at $9.3 billion. While it's not the $9.9b (or even $9.6b) that we have advocated for, it is a step above the $9.1 billion that was originally proposed by the legislature.
 

Oregon Department of Education 

On Wednesday, ODE updated the Ways & Means Education Subcommittee on the roll out of Oregon’s $250 million Summer Learning Investments. So far, 152 school districts have applied for the funding. ODE also shared that one of the key takeaways they heard through their engagement with partners is that folks want to see equitable distribution of these resources and had questions about how districts would meaningfully partner with community based orgs to provide coverage for all students. You can see a link to ODE’s slides and their legislative report.

The ESSER III and School Purchasing with Amazon

The federal government has allocated nearly $123 billion for PreK-12 education resources through the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER III) fund, part of the American Rescue Plan Act. The stimulus package allows for a broad range of uses for the dollars, from addressing learning loss to providing services to support student mental health to purchasing PPE and software. But what does this once-in-a-generation influx of cash mean operationally for your school?

Join the webinar on Tuesday, May 18 at 12 p.m.  to learn more. In this webinar, led by the National Alliance and supported by Success Academy Charter Schools and Amazon Business, we provide perspectives to your most pressing questions, from understanding the nuances of the bill to spending and tracking your funds to outlining best practices.
Register today!
Facility Funding Solutions

The National Alliance published a new report on charter schools participating in traditional school district bond offerings. There are currently over a billion dollars in voter-approved bonds that charter schools can access. Read about:

  • How parent voting power can make the difference in bond elections
  • How negotiating with districts can be more effective than following regulations
  • How state policy and regulations can help bring the district to the negotiating table.

In addition to school district bonds, it’s time for New Market Tax Credit applications. If your school is contemplating a facility project in the next three years, read a blog post on how to access New Market Tax Credit applications.


Finally, an article in the Wall Street Journal shows why charter schools are good tenants in former retail and mixed-use buildings. Carry this article with you when you talk to developers and brokers.

Sandra Day O'Connor Institute For American Democracy presents the summer O'Connor Civics Challenge!   

•    The civics video competition is open now through Thursday, July 15, 2021 
•    Open to all students entering 6th through 9th grade in fall 2021  
•    Choose a topic and watch a brief tutorial video
•    Create a video up to 3 minutes long!
•    Winners in each grade will be awarded Apple products!
•    Four winners in the Justice O'Connor category will also be awarded Apple prizes!
 
Download this PDF flyer to share with your students and families!

#OConnorCivicsChallenge video entries may be submitted now through July 15, 2021. Click here to learn more!
Questions? Contact:
Heather Schader
Vice President, Programs & Administration

hschader@OConnorInstitute.org | (602) 730-3300 x8
Learn more

Programs, Policy, and Research

Preparation for Replication: Case Study of AECI
More than 4,000 charter schools around the country operate as independent, “mom and pop” schools without the supports of charter management organizations (CMOs). These standalone schools, which make up 65% of charter schools nationally, are often deeply rooted in the local neighborhood or are designed to serve specific community needs. For some successful independent schools, replicating – opening a second school – is a way to serve more students in their communities. Click here to read the case study.

 
Investing Stimulus Dollars with an Equity Focus
Funds from the American Rescue Plan give schools and districts the opportunity to address student needs more holistically. Check out this new resource from the Center for Learner Equity, The Rising Tide that Lifts All Boats: Investing Stimulus Dollars with an Equity Focus, for specific strategies that districts, schools, and educators can consider to optimize the positive impact of stimulus dollars on students, especially students with disabilities. Christy Wolfe, vice president of policy and planning at the National Alliance, also sat down with the Public Charter School Alliance of South Carolina for a podcast on understanding ESSR III and how to best spend the funds.


The American Families Plan and Education
As the nation slowly and safely navigates out of the pandemic, the focus remains on helping American families recoup what was lost during the last 14 months—and spurring prosperity and success. Education must be a top priority to fulfill this promise as our leaders in federal, state, and local governments make important decisions that affect our students’ futures. Read more about the American Families Plan and how charter schools lead the way.

Special Education 101 for the Charter Sector
The National Charter School Resource Center has created an introductory primer for charter sector stakeholders to help support the sector in serving students with disabilities. This 30-minute virtual learning opportunity provides the following to viewers:
  • Review of the major provisions of federal law and their impact on charter schools;
  • Overview of the responsibilities of charter schools for the provision of a free and appropriate education for students with disabilities;
  • Strategies for providing services for students with disabilities in a virtual learning environment; and
  • Additional resources for providing services for students with disabilities in charter schools.

Virtual Events

School Opportunities and Resources
 
Grant Fellowship for Women Educators of Color
As part of the Breakthrough to Success Online (BTSO) program, the Wells International Foundation is launching a call for applications to award personal development fellowships to minority female K-12 educators. Through this $250K gift, 80 U.S. educator awardees will be selected as BTSO fellows for this exceptional one-year opportunity. The application window closes May 17.
 
National Charter School Resource Center Funding Opportunity Database
The database includes one-time and ongoing grants, fellowships, prizes, and scholarships. Sponsors include the U.S. Federal Government and philanthropic organizations. The page is updated frequently as charter school funding opportunities are announced. Click here or the button below to view the database and search for funding opportunities.

Accessing the FCC Emergency Broadband Benefit Program
The Emergency Broadband Benefit is a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) program to help families afford internet service during the pandemic. It provides households a monthly discount to support access to internet service as well as a one-time discount to support the purchase of appropriate devices. Check out the Emergency Broadband Benefit page for more information on how to access these benefits and a recorded webinar.

USDA Extends School Nutrition Flexibility Through June 2022
Last week the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) extended key school nutrition flexibilities through the end of the 2021-22 school year. These flexibilities allow schools to serve meals in non-group settings at flexible meal times while maintaining social distancing consistent with federal recommendations.


NCSRC Logic Model Toolkit: A Resource for Current and Prospective Grantees of Charter School Programs
The Logic Model Toolkit is designed to help prospective and current Charter School Programs (CSP) grantees develop and revise logic models to guide project implementation and monitor progress. The toolkit can (1) help prospective grantees develop logic models as part of their project design process, align project activities and goals with available resources, and display their project clearly in their grant applications, and (2) help existing grantees to review and revise their approved logic models and use their logic models to guide, monitor, and report on project implementation. Click to download the toolkit.

Urging High School Students to Complete the FAFSA
As students and families prepare for education post high school, finances and costs are serious considerations. The impact of the COVID-19 emergency makes decisions about higher education even harder. Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form is the first step students and families can take to access federal dollars for college or career school. Federal Student Aid reports a decline in the number of high school seniors who have submitted the 2021–22 FAFSA form. States have limited funds, so it’s important for students and families to know their state’s deadline and submit the FAFSA form as early as possible.

The National Charter Schools Conference (NCSC) is the largest national gathering of charter school professionals. It is where you connect with people, resources, and expertise that empowers and inspires your work. With nationally recognized experts, content curated specially for the sector, and a focus on collaboration, NCSC offers the best learning experience for those shaping the future of K-12 education.

CONTENT 

NCSC is the largest national gathering of current and aspiring charter school leaders shaping the future of public education. We provide thought leadership on the most critical questions on the minds of school leaders, engage national experts for solutions-driven expertise, and consider what’s next in public education.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT 

NCSC offers the best professional development in the field for school leaders, board members, teacher leaders, and advocates. Our sessions provide hands-on learning experiences, and innovative strategies to advance academic achievement. More than 85% of attendees say what they learn at NCSC applies directly to their jobs and will lead to implementation or positive changes at their schools and organizations. 

COMMUNITY 

NCSC’s networking opportunities connect you with peers from across the country who often become valuable resources for referrals and best-practices. You will also meet new vendors and suppliers who will help you discover new and innovative products necessary to stay on the cutting edge. Not only that, each year, we add new and exciting activities to the conference to create meaningful engagement, transformative professional development and increase the attendee experience. 

Learn More

Charter Schools in the News

Here are a few local and national headlines from the past few weeks:

Lockdowns Give School Choice a Boost (Op-Ed), The Wall Street Journal

Betsy Appleseed and School Choice (Op-Ed)*, Education Next

An Educator’s View: Stop Making Students Pawns in a Political Game They Didn’t Sign Up to Play (Editorial), The Seventy Four

In America’s National Reckoning With Race, Equity in Education Is Still an Issue (Op-Ed)*, Morning Consult

Analysis: New Study Shows That Charter Schools Do Not ‘Drain’ Funds From Traditional Public Classrooms. In Fact, in Many States, the Opposite Seems to Be True, The Seventy Four

Logos Public Charter set to expand student enrollment, KDRV

Uncapping virtual charter schools will uncap student potential, TheWorldlink.com

Redmond school board candidates discuss equity, mental health, community, The Bulletin
Facebook
Twitter
Website
Is your school a member of ORC3S yet? 
 
We are a coalition of community-based, public charter schools representing all corners of our state. Although, we are all unique in our pedagogy and practice, what unites us is our commitment to educational innovation and to high-quality schools for all students. Our mission is to provide a voice and sustainable support and guidance for the members of our coalition.
Join us now!
  • If you have any specific questions, or feel you need some additional assistance, please reach out to Iris Maria Chávez at iris@orc3s.org or 504-701-3931.
Facebook
Twitter
Website
Oregon Coalition of Community Charter Schools
www.orc3s.org
13809 SE Division St Ste A
Portland, OR 97236


Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.






This email was sent to <<Email Address>>
why did I get this?    unsubscribe from this list    update subscription preferences
Oregon Coalition of Community Charter Schools · 13809 SE Division St Ste A · Portland, OR 97236-2843 · USA

Email Marketing Powered by Mailchimp