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Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Special Late Nite Cap UPDATE 10-9-13 #BATsACT #RealEdTalk #EDCHAT #P2


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CORPORATE ED REFORM



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Nite Cap 10-9-13 #BATsACT #RealEdTalk #EDCHAT #P2
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Testing Resistance & Reform News: October 3 – 9, 2013 | FairTest
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Today marks what would've been John Lennon's 73rd birthday













From the WTF Charter School File: Nonclassroom-Based Webinar Script - Administration & Support (CA Dept of Education)

Nonclassroom-Based Webinar Script - Administration & Support (CA Dept of Education):

Nonclassroom-Based Webinar Script

Nonclassroom−Based Instruction Request for Funding Determination, Fiscal year 2013-14 October 4, 2013 Webinar Script



Nonclassroom-Based Instruction Request for Funding Determination, Fiscal Year 2013-14 Webinar Script October 4, 2013

This page is the Accessible Alternative Version (AAV) of the Nonclassroom-Based Instruction Request for Funding Determination Webinar (WMV; 37:19). The WMV verson is considered to be the official version of the document.

Slides 1 and 2: Title Slide and Table of Contents

Welcome to the California Department of Education (CDE) presentation for charter schools on filing a nonclassroom-based (NCB) funding determination request for the fiscal year 2013–14.
My name is Bill Fong, Fiscal Consultant with the CDE Charter Schools Division. I want to thank you for your attendance today and I do apologize for the short notice. For those unable to attend, we will post this webinar presentation on our web site. For this webinar, questions will only be taken from the question box located on your screen. We will try to answer all of the questions. If we do not get to a question, we will post online select questions and answers in a FAQ follow-up.
The funding determination presentation entails 15 slides as detailed in the Table of Contents.
The objectives of this presentation is to provide guidance about whether or not a funding determination is required, the funding levels available for NCB charters, the criteria for each funding level, requesting mitigating circumstances (if needed), how to fill out the funding determination form, and when and where to file the forms.

Slide 3: Background

The law requires that Nonclassroom-based (NCB) charter schools obtain a funding determination prior to being funded for its NCB average daily attendance (ADA).
Senate Bill (SB) 740 (Chapter892, Statutes of 2001), required the State Board of Education (SBE) to establish the criteria for determining the appropriate funding level for NCB charter schools. SB 740 stated that the Advisory Commission on Charter Schools (ACCS) is to assist with this process. The ACCS developed regulations that define classroom-based and NCB instruction. The regulations prohibit a charter school from receiving funding for NCB instruction unless the SBE determines its eligibility for funding. The web site location for the pertinent laws and regulations are on slide 16.
The funding determination process begins with the filing of a funding determination form (FDF) with the CDE. The FDF is reviewed by the CDE and the ACCS. Recommendations are then forwarded for consideration and approval by the SBE.

Slide 4: Classroom or Nonclassroom-Based?

A charter school that offers an instructional setting that does not meet the definition of a classroom based setting is classified as a NCB charter school. The law defines the following four conditions that must be met to be classified as a classroom based setting:
  • The charter school's pupils are engaged in educational activities required of those pupils, and the pupils are under the immediate supervision and control of an employee of the charter school who is authorized to provide instruction to the pupils within the meaning of EC Section 47605(I).
  • At least 80 percent of the instructional time offered at the charter school is at the school site.
  • The charter school’s school site is a facility that is used principally for classroom instruction.
  • The charter school requires its pupils to be in attendance at the school site at least 80 percent of the minimum instructional time required pursuant to EC Section 47612.5(a)(1).
Furthermore, regulations 5 CCR Section 11963(b) require that the school site where the pupils receive instruction meet one of the following conditions:
  • The facility is owned, rented, or leased by the charter school principally for classroom instruction.
  • The facility is provided to the charter school by a school district pursuant to EC Section 47614 principally for classroom instruction.
  • The facility is provided to the charter school free-of-charge principally for classroom instruction pursuant to a written agreement.
NCB instruction may include, but is not limited to, independent study, home study, work study, and distance and computer-based education.

Slide 5: Requesting a Funding Determination

If you are a NCB charter school, then in order to be funded for your NCB ADA, you must obtain a funding determination that is approved by the SBE. A request for a funding determination is the first step, the FDF must be filed with the CDE. For new charter schools that opened in the fall of 2013, the FDF is due to the CDE by December 1, 2013. For continuing charter schools whose funding determinations expires on June 30, 2014, the FDF is due by February 1, 2014.
An FDF is reviewed by CDE for accuracy and completeness. Please note that incomplete FDFs or late submissions will not be processed by the CDE or forwarded to the ACCS/SBE for consideration. The ACCS and/or CDE may ask the charter school to provide additional information in order to make possible a more detailed review or to develop a reasonable basis for a recommendation. After completion of our review, the CDE will present its recommendation to the ACCS. Both the CDE’s and ACCSs recommendations will be presented to the SBE for final approval or denial.

Slide 6: Funding Determinations

There are four possible funding determination outcomes: Full funding at 100%, partial funding at 85% or 70%, OR denial of the funding determination request. Denial of a funding determination request by the SBE shall result in no funding for charter school’s NCB ADA.

Slide 7: Full Funding Determination (100%) Criteria

To be eligible for a full funding determination (100%), the NCB charter school must meet three conditions:
  1. Spend at least 40% of its total public revenues on salaries and benefits for all employees who possess a valid teaching certificate,
  2. Spend at least 80% of its total revenues on instruction and related services, and
  3. The ratio of ADA for independent study pupils to full-time certificated employees does not exceed a pupil-teacher ratio of 25:1 (or the ratio of the largest unified school district in the county in which the charter school resides, whichever is higher).
Regulations specify what information must be included on the FDF to include, but is not limited to, the charter school’s resources (revenue sources) and expenditures.
Let’s take a look at the chart on slide 8 for the various percentage thresholds. If a NCB charter school does not meet all of the criteria for full funding then it will be recommended for the lesser partial funding.

Slide 8: Funding Determination Criteria

The other two lower funding determinations are at 85% and 70%:
  1. For 85%, a charter school must spend at least 40 percent of its total public revenues on salaries and benefits for all employees who possess a valid teaching certificate and (2) at least 70 percent but less than 80 percent of its total revenues on instruction and related services
  2. For 70%, a charter school must spend at least 35 percent but less than 40 percent of its total public revenues on salaries and benefits for all employees who possess a valid teaching certificate and (2) at least 60 percent but less than 70 percent of its total revenues on instruction and related services.
However, if a charter school spends less than 35 percent of its total public revenues on salaries and benefits for all employees who possess a valid teaching certificate and spends less than 60 percent of its total revenues on instruction and related services, the CDE/ACCS recommendation shall be a denial of the charter school’s request, unless there is a reasonable basis to recommend otherwise. A denial of a funding determination request by the SBE will result in no funding for the charter’s NCB ADA.

Slide 9: Funding Determination Form (FDF)

The FDF is a spreadsheet file for use by the charter schools for this funding determination process. The FDF is currently posted on CDE’s web site. The FDF is composed of three worksheet tabs: 1) Instructions, 2) Data Input, and a 3) Summary and Recommendation worksheet. Note- the Data Input worksheet is the only tab that requires data input from the charter school. Let’s take a look at the form and we will go over each section within each tab.
FDF Instruction Tab
The instruction worksheet basically contains general instructions about the form; and, when and where to mail and email the FDF and conflict of interest policy files. There is no input required on this worksheet.
FDF Data Input Tab
The data input tab has up to five sections that may need to be completed:
  • Charter Information – Complete all fields a. thru v.
  • Certification – Appropriate person must sign FDF after reviewing 4 statements.
  • Financial Information – Complete sections IIIA, IIIB, and IIIE. Guidance and definitions for what revenues/ expenditures are to be included is provided for in the California School Accounting Manual (CSAM) []
    • For new charters, use reasonable estimates of current year annualized revenues and expenditures.
    • For continuing charters, use the prior year’s revenues and expenditures, ie. unaudited actuals or if available, the audited statements.
  • Supplemental Information – Complete sections IV, 1 thru 7
  • Virtual or On-Line NCB Charters – Must complete Sections I to V
If you are not a virtual or on-line charter school, complete sections I through IV. Virtual or On-Line charter schools must complete sections I through V.
FDF Summary and Recommendation Tab
This is a summary sheet and NO input is required on this worksheet. Information is extracted from the Data Input worksheet. The percent calculations for the Certificated Salary and Benefits and the Instruction and Related Services are posted here for comparison to the funding determination criteria.

Slide 10: Duration of Funding Determination

Charter schools that are in its first year of operation will receive a two-year funding determination. For continuing charters, a minimum of two years and a maximum of five years can be granted. A charter school that has achieved a rank of six or greater on the Academic Performance Index (API) for the two years immediately prior to receiving a determination of funding must be granted a five-year funding determination.

Slide 11: New Charter Schools

For a new charter school, regulations require additional follow-up reporting. Within 90 days after the end of the first fiscal year, the new charter school must file its unaudited actual report, which reflects financial activities for its first year of operation. In addition, a FDF for the second fiscal year, using 2014–15 budget estimates must also be filed within the same 90 days. If after review of these documents, the charter school does not support a full funding determination, the ACCS must recommend that the SBE revise the charter’s previous funding determination.

Slide 12: “Reasonable Basis” / Mitigating Circumstances

If the calculated percentages on FDF fail to comply with the requested funding determination criteria, regulations do allow the charter school to request of the ACCS to find a “reasonable basis” (also referred to as mitigating circumstances) by which to make a recommendation other than one that results from the criteria specified in the regulations. Mitigating circumstances may include:
  • One-time or Unique or Exceptional Circumstances
  • Size of the charter school
  • Number of years the charter school has been operational

Slide 13: Requesting Mitigating Circumstances

A NCB charter school may request the ACCS to consider mitigating circumstances (MC) if it fails to meet the criteria for the funding determination level requested. If the requested funding determination does not meet the threshold established for certificated salaries and benefits or instruction-related expenses, as listed in Section C of the Summary and Recommendation worksheet, the charter school may request consideration of mitigating circumstances.
MC requests must include the documented data regarding the individual and specific circumstances. Each MC request must also clearly identify the factors that are unique to that individual charter school (e.g., one-time or unique or exceptional expenses for facilities, acquisition of a school bus, acquisition and installation of computer hardware not related to the instructional program, special education charges levied on the charter school by an LEA, restricted state, federal, or private grants of funds awarded to the charter school that cannot be expended for teacher salaries, or contracted instructional services for special education). In addition, a charter school’s MC request must explain why the charter school failed to meet the title 5 regulations for funding, including specific actions taken by the charter school to meet the expenditure requirements.
The ACCS and SBE may approve the mitigating circumstances request and provide a higher funding level than the charter school otherwise would receive. A charter school that wants to request consideration of MC must file a MC request form. The MC form is due on the same date as the FDF.

Slide 14: Due Dates

  • For new charter schools, the FDF/MCF are due by December 1, 2013
  • For continuing charter schools, the FDF/MCF are due by February 1, 2014

Slide 15: Where to File?

Email electronic files (FDF, conflict of interest policy, MCF, if needed and other supporting documents) to the address noted on slide 15.
Mail signed hard copies (FDF, conflict of interest policy, MCF, if needed and other supporting documents) to the address noted on slide 15.

Slide 16: Pertinent Laws and Regulations and Questions?

Pertinent laws and regulations on funding determinations can be access on the web sites listed on slide 16.
This ends our presentation on funding determination.
If you have questions, please send them to us at charter-SB740@cde.ca.gov. We will post pertinent general questions and answers in a FAQ follow-up on our web site.
You can also email or call me anytime during this process:
My number is 916-327-5929 and the e-mail address is charter-SB740@cde.ca.gov or bfong@cde.ca.gov
Thank you for your attendance and have a good week end.
Questions: Bill Fong | bfong@cde.ca.gov | 916-327-5929

 

October 2013 Information Memoranda

Background information and updates on issues of interest to the State Board Members.
Periodically, the State Board Members may receive information memoranda from State Board staff and the California Department of Education. The information memoranda may include background information, updates on issues of interest to the State Board Members, and reports on a variety of educational topics.

Nite Cap 10-9-13 #BATsACT #RealEdTalk #EDCHAT #P2


James Baldwin said it best: 

"For these are all our children, and we will profit by or pay for whatever they become."


A BIG EDUCATION APE NITE CAP


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Reforms Could Combat Rising Student Loan Defaults - Student Loan Ranger (usnews.com): Reforms Could Combat Rising Student Loan DefaultsBy EQUAL JUSTICE WORKSOctober 9, 2013 RSS Feed PrintPenalties for defaulting on student loans include seizure of tax refunds, garnishment of wages and the partial taking of Social Security payments.The most recent student loan default rates releasedby the Departmen
The Educated Reporter: For Students, Shutdown Offers Lessons in How Not to Run a Nation
The Educated Reporter: For Students, Shutdown Offers Lessons in How Not to Run a Nation: For Students, Shutdown Offers Lessons in How Not to Run a NationWith the partial shutdown of the federal government well into its second week, it’s reasonable to ask what lessons students might be absorbing from the actions of Congress – or lack thereof. Peter Levine, director of the Center for Information &am
10-9-13 Schools Matter
Schools Matter: Confessions of a "Bad Teacher" Confronting Treachery During an Age of "Reform"I read Rafe Esquith’s Real Talk for Real Teachers and James Owens’ Confessions of a Bad Teacher during the same week. Esquith described many types of educational malpractice being imposed in the name of “best practices” that I have seen. In fact, he recounts disgusting incidents that a
Big promises with iPads, but where's the research? | Pass / Fail | 89.3 KPCC
Big promises with iPads, but where's the research? | Pass / Fail | 89.3 KPCC: Big promises with iPads, but where's the research?Annie Gilbertson | October 9th, 2013, 6:00amSLIDESHOW1 of 11Grant Slater/KPCCSecond graders Mark G. and Brandon C. play educational games on iPads at a charter school in Huntington Park.Los Angeles Unified School District Superintendent John Deasy has trumpeted his $1 bil
Notes on the Seniority Smokescreen | School Finance 101
Notes on the Seniority Smokescreen | School Finance 101: Notes on the Seniority SmokescreenPosted on October 9, 20130       Rate ThisSeniority, in the modern reformy lexicon, is among the dirtiest words. Senior teachers are not only ineffective and greedy and never put interest of the children over their own, but they are in fact downright evil, a persistent drain on state and local economies and
10-9-13 Wait What?
Wait What?: The State Department of Education’s NetStat to the rescue!When in doubt, purchase a new data management system, give it a name that has nothing to do with education, hire more consultants and then hold as many meetings and “training sessions” as possible. All paid for, or course, by the generous taxpayers of Connecticut (while school districts across the state go without adequate fundi
LISTEN TO DIANE RAVITCH 10-9-13 Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all
Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all: Mark Naison Reviews “Reign of Error”Mark Naison is the tireless advocate who co-founded the BATs (otherwise known as the Bad Ass Teachers). Wherever I go, I find BATs. He has created a genuine force, an outlet for teachers who want to act and feel helpless. As BATs, they are ready to act and they do. Here he reviews Reign of Error.
10-9-13 Larry Ferlazzo’s Websites of the Day… | …For Teaching ELL, ESL, & EFL
Larry Ferlazzo’s Websites of the Day… | …For Teaching ELL, ESL, & EFL: Resources On The HajjMillions of Muslims make the annual pilgrimage, called the Hajj, to Mecca in Saudi Arabia. Because the Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar based on the motion of the moon, the time of the Hajj is different time each year in terms of the Gregorian calendar. In 2013, it takes place between October 13-18.
10-9-13 Ed Notes Online
Ed Notes Online: What they spent but won't pay rent - Report from Inside Eva's Belly of the BeastAs a school co-located with a Success Academy school we were shocked at the silence we encountered this morning as the entire SA school was noticeably missing (at rally).  Upon their return we were even more shocked at the tremendous financial expenditure put forth for this rally with new bright yellow
10-9-13 Perdido Street School
Perdido Street School: UFT Leadership Still Doesnt Realize The Problem Is The Common CoreJames Eterno writes at ICEUFT blog that the UFT Executive Board passed a resolution on Monday night calling for a moratorium on the high stakes part of the new ADVANCE teacher evaluation system.This moratorium call, btw, would be the same thing Randi Weingarten called for a while back.But the UFT Executive Boa
Admissions Data: the key, missing data to exposing charters
Admissions Data: the key, missing data to exposing charters: Admissions Data: the key, missing data to exposing chartersFinally, finally, finally…The front door clear advantage awarded to charter schools by the Deformists in charge is city wide admissions. [The ejector seat advantage allows them to “counsel” ahem force out low performers.]  Charter schools can selectively admit from a disadvantage
Privatization Proliferates: Vouchers, Charters, and Portfolio School Reform | janresseger
Privatization Proliferates: Vouchers, Charters, and Portfolio School Reform | janresseger: Privatization Proliferates: Vouchers, Charters, and Portfolio School ReformPosted on October 9, 2013 by janressegerIf you live in a small city, a rural area, or even a suburb you may not be watching the privatization of K-12 education in your own community.  But privatization is proliferating; just let us co
CHARTER SCHOOLS: A PRIVATIZING WEDGE Coalition for Public Education/CoaliciĂłn por la EducaciĂłn PĂşblica
Coalition for Public Education/CoaliciĂłn por la EducaciĂłn PĂşblica: CHARTER SCHOOLS: A PRIVATIZING WEDGEThe Coalition for Public Education/CoaliciĂłn por la EducaciĂłn Publica's Stance on Charter SchoolsPosted by Black Educator at 2:41 AM 
The United States of (Non)Reading: The End of Civilization or a New Era? | toteachornototeach
The United States of (Non)Reading: The End of Civilization or a New Era? | toteachornototeach: 'The United States of (Non)Reading:The End of Civilization or a New Era?by Susan D. BlumJust the other day one of my undergraduate assistants reported a friend’s boast that he had not read anything for school since fifth grade. A student at an excellent university, successful, “clever,” “smart,” he can w
Lisa Nielsen: The Innovative Educator: Interested in #BYOD? Become a #ConnectedEducator! #CE13
Lisa Nielsen: The Innovative Educator: Interested in #BYOD? Become a #ConnectedEducator! #CE13: Interested in #BYOD? Become a #ConnectedEducator! #CE13This article originally appeared at Partners in Learning - 1:1 Hot Topics.So, you’re interested in supporting bring your own device (BYOD) where you work Congratulations! You are not alone, but you will need support. There is no better way to suppor

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Special Late Nite Cap EXTRA 10-8-13 #EDCHAT #P2 #BATsACT #RealEdTalk
Nite Cap EXTRAEXTRA EXTRA EXTRA EXTRAThe People of Wikileaks Versus Malala YousafzaiMalala Yousafzai at the United Nations   This is why so-called liberals get me mad. Someone posting under the Twitter handle Wikileaks believes Chelsea [formerly known as Bradley] Manning should win the Nobel Peace Prize over “pro-war favorite” Malala Yousafzai. Specifically, they said: Why Guardian likely excluded
AFT President Randi Weingarten’s remarks at the Concert and March for Immigrant Dignity and Respect
AFT President Randi Weingarten’s remarks at the Concert and March for Immigrant Dignity and Respect: AFT President Randi Weingarten’s remarks at the Concert and March for Immigrant Dignity and RespectOctober 8, 2013 at 6:24pmGood afternoon. I'm Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, a union that proudly supports dignity and respect for all immigrants.The United States
Special Late Nite Cap UPDATE 10-8-13 #BATsACT #RealEdTalk #EDCHAT #P2
Nite Cap UPDATEUPDATE UPDATE UPDATE UPDATECORPORATE ED REFORMClear Cutting of Our Schools - and Sacramentoby Editorial Board. Rethinking SchoolsNo single policy reflects the bankruptcy of current education reform politics more than the mass closings of public schools. From Chicago to Washington, D.C., to New Orleans, Detroit, and Philadelphia, these mass closings lay waste to communities, negative
Nite Cap 10-8-13 #BATsACT #RealEdTalk #EDCHAT #P2
James Baldwin said it best: "For these are all our children, and we will profit by or pay for whatever they become."A BIG EDUCATION APE NITE CAPTODAYED Pulse Poll Results: Where Does Early Childhood Education Fit Within Our National Priorities? — Whole Child EducationED Pulse Poll Results: Where Does Early Childhood Education Fit Within Our National Priorities? — Whole Child Education: T